Simulation of the right-angle car collision based on identified parameters

Abstract

This article presents an influence of contact parameters on the collision pattern of vehicles. In this case a crash of two Fiat Cinquecentos with perpendicular median planes was simulated. The first vehicle was driven with a speed 50 km/h and crashed into the other one, standing still. It is a typical collision at junctions. For the first simulation, the default parameters of the V-SIM simulation program were assumed and then the parameters identified from the crash test of a Fiat Cinquecento, published by ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) were used. Various post-impact movements were observed for both simulations, which demonstrates a sensitivity of the simulation results to the assumed parameters. Applying the default parameters offered by the program can lead to inadequate evaluation of the collision part due to its only approximate reconstruction, which in consequence, influences the court decision. It was demonstrated how complex it is to reconstruct the pattern of the vehicles' crash and what problems are faced by expert witnesses who tend to use default parameters.