Hey guys, I'm going to say right up front that I haven't a c

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on calculating the force of impact in a three-car accident scenario involving a compact car, a midsize car, and a midsize SUV. The user provided specific weights and speeds for each vehicle, along with estimates of impact damage. Key formulas mentioned include KE=0.5mv² for kinetic energy and F=mass*acceleration/time*proportionality constant for force calculations. The forum response emphasizes the complexity of traffic accident analysis and advises consulting a specialist for accurate assessments.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics concepts, specifically kinetic energy and force calculations.
  • Familiarity with the formulas KE=0.5mv² and F=mass*acceleration/time.
  • Knowledge of vehicle dynamics and collision mechanics.
  • Awareness of the limitations of simplified models in traffic accident analysis.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced collision analysis techniques using software like PC-Crash or HVE.
  • Study the principles of vehicle dynamics and how they apply to rollover scenarios.
  • Learn about the role of impact angles and speeds in determining collision outcomes.
  • Explore the use of crash test data and simulations in understanding vehicle safety.
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Individuals interested in automotive safety, accident reconstruction specialists, and physics students studying real-world applications of force and motion.

Mychele Goodwin
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Hey guys, I'm going to say right up front that I haven't a clue how to do these calculations, but I have a scenario that I would like the math to if anyone can help me figure it out. What I had been able to attempt to figure out doesn't seem tangible? The formulas I had researched/used was KE=0.5mv^2 and F= mass* acceleration/time* proportionality constant. In the scenario I will supply both the US customary system and the metric system so you can choose what set of numbers you'd prefer to work with. I am willing to do my own math as well, so if you could tell me which formulas I need, I can go from there!

Here goes:

Imagine that there is a 3 car accident. A compact car (2,425.1 lbs./1,100 kg) is making a left turn at 35 mph/56.327 km per hour. The car is hit on its side, just behind the passenger door, by a midsize car (3,154 lbs./1,430.63 kg) traveling at 44 mph/70.81 km per hour. Then a midsize SUV (4,094 lbs./1,857.01 kg) barrels through going 57 mph/91.73 km per hour. A rough estimate of impact damage to each vehicle is as follows: Compact Car (5ft./1.524m), Midsize Car (Front-4ft./1.2192m, Back-6ft./1.8288m), and the Midsize SUV (6ft./1.8288m).

Now here's my question(s); 1) How much force (force of impact) would be applied to the compact car from the overall collision, and 2) Would that impact send the compact car into a rollover, and if so how far would it travel?

If any other information is needed, let me know and I'll do my best to supply that. I know there are a lot of factors that can go into a car accident of this caliber, but I only need a generalization. This is a topic I had always been curious about. Thanks in advance you guys!
 
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I'm sorry but we don't allow traffic accident analysis here. Accidents are far too complex to reliably analyze. Please contact a specialist if you are in need of an analysis.
 

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