Car crash collision calculation

In summary, for a physics project on car crashes, the group is considering the impact of a car hitting a pole and wants to find a formula for calculating the amount of force needed to push back or dent the pole. It is important to understand impulse loading, as the pole may shear or bend depending on the amount of stress and moment applied. Additionally, the car's frame and body may absorb most of the energy. The provided link offers some ideas and a helpful image, but the group still needs to determine the average critical shear or maximum force that an average steel pole can handle.
  • #1
AFG34
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i am doing a physics project where you have to draw a situation and explain as much physics as possible. So me and my friends anre doing a car crash, actually a car hitting a pole. And we want to know a formula to calculate how much the pole will be pushed back/dented or if broken from base.
 
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  • #2
What kind of pole - wood or metal, hollow or solid.

One has to understant impulse loading.

The poll will shear if the shear stress exceeds the critical shear. Otherwise it could bend if sufficient moment is applied. It could dent (plastically deform), or the car's frame and body could absorb most of the energy.

See this for some ideas - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/Hbase/impulse.html
 
  • #3
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FAQ: Car crash collision calculation

1. How is the speed of a car calculated during a collision?

The speed of a car during a collision is calculated using the equation v = d/t, where v is the speed in meters per second, d is the distance traveled, and t is the time it took to travel that distance. This calculation assumes that the car was traveling at a constant velocity before the collision.

2. What factors affect the severity of a car crash collision?

The severity of a car crash collision can be affected by several factors, including the speed and mass of the vehicles involved, the angle of impact, the use of safety features such as seatbelts and airbags, and the condition of the road and weather conditions at the time of the collision.

3. How is the force of impact calculated in a car crash collision?

The force of impact in a car crash collision is calculated using the equation F = m x a, where F is the force in Newtons, m is the mass of the car, and a is the acceleration due to the collision. This calculation can help determine the amount of damage and potential injuries caused by the collision.

4. Can computer simulations accurately predict the outcome of a car crash collision?

Computer simulations can provide a general prediction of the outcome of a car crash collision, but they may not accurately reflect the exact conditions and variables of a real-life collision. Real-world data and testing are still necessary to determine the exact outcome and severity of a car crash collision.

5. Are there any laws or guidelines for calculating car crash collisions?

There are no specific laws or guidelines for calculating car crash collisions, but there are industry standards and best practices that scientists and engineers use to accurately measure and assess the impact of car crashes. These include using advanced technology such as crash test dummies and analyzing data from real-life collisions to improve accuracy.

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