Analysis of vehicle collision accidents based on qualitative mechanics

Abstract

In this paper, a method for vehicle collision analysis based on qualitative mechanics is presented. In collisions where accurate quantitative information is difficult to gather, this analytic method can act as a useful complement. Based on qualitative dynamic theories, reasonings of various factors including qualitative vector, collision behavior, translational and rotational motion are suggested. Using the law of momentum conservation within the frame of rigid-body dynamics, vehicle collision analyses based on this qualitative reasoning were developed into an accident analysis tool. This newly developed qualitative collision analysis tool was verified using 45 cases of vehicle-to-vehicle collision test data, and its practicality was proved by performing analyses of various vehicle collision accidents. (c) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.