Reconstruction model of vehicle impact speed in pedestrian-vehicle accident

Reconstruction of pedestrian-vehicle accident is a worldwide problem. Numerous previous studies have been carried out on accidents with vehicular skid marks or definite pedestrian throw distances. However, little could be done if marks or throw distances cannot be obtained in accident reconstruction. This paper first describes the physical model of dynamic process of pedestrian head impact on windshield glazing. Some simplifications are made to obtain a better and more practical model, including discussing the support boundary conditions. Firstly, the paper modeled the relations between pedestrian impact speed and deflection of windshield glazing based on the impact dynamics and thin plate theory. Later, the relations of vehicle impact speed and deflection are discussed. Therefore, a model of vehicle impact speed versus deflection of windshield glazing is developed. The model is then verified by ten real-world accident cases to demonstrate its accuracy and reliability. This model provides investigators a new method to reconstruct pedestrian-vehicle accidents. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.