Delta-V analysis from crash test data for vehicles with post-impact yaw motion.

For automotive crash tests resulting in significant test vehicle yaw rate, direct integration of accelerometer data does not yield the correct velocity or Delta-V components (even for accelerations sensed at the vehicle center-of-gravity). This paper discusses the effects of yaw rate on the integration of accelerometer data, and develops a methodology to properly calculate the velocity and Delta-V at any location on the test vehicle. This methodology is applied to crash test data and compared to results observed from high-speed film. A discussion regarding Delta-V in a yawing vehicle, and its significance to occupant kinematics and injury potential, is also presented. (A)