The determination of delta-V from the Barrier Equivalent Velocity (BEV) using energy analysis techniques such as CRASH3 is common in the field of accident reconstruction. This paper introduces a new methodology for determining delta-V in the field of accident reconstruction. Specifically it will introduce a linear analysis technique which utilises the time to common velocity associated with two vehicles involved in an impact. This method employs all the assumptions used in the derivation of the CRASH3 damage based solution but rather than using an energy based solution a linear Barrier Equivalent Time (BET) method will be employed. This method requires the BEV, and thus the BET, of one of the vehicles involved in a collision and either the stiffness or the crush of the other vehicle. Instead of calculating the energies involved in the collision, the BET is used in conjunction with the time to common velocity in the impact. By remaining in the time domain the analysis remains linear and thus promotes a more coherent understanding between the BEV and delta-V relationship. (A)
Abstract