The Simulation Model of Automobile Collisions (SMAC) computer program, developed in the early 1970's, includes a complex collision algorithm for monitoring, detecting and modelling the collision interactions of motor vehicles. A detailed review of some aspects of the logic, rationale and, in particular, limitations of the original SMAC collision algorithm is presented. This paper presents refinements in the definition of the collision interface, the definition of collision type, the vehicle proximity and collision detection logic, and the form of supplementary impulsive constraints on relative motions. The effects of the modifications of the SMAC algorithm on reconstruction results are presented in the form of direct comparisons of results obtained with the original and modified algorithms. (A)
Samenvatting