For many traffic crash reconstructionists, the topic of energy can be intimidating, mysterious or down right scary. Because of this, reconstructionists shy away from utilizing energy methods in their analysis. This course will help de-mystify the concept of energy and present energy-based methods and techniques to use in analyzing traffic crashes.

During the course, you will learn to view and analyze crashes from an energy point of view. We will explore energy methods beginning with the basics and progressing to more advanced concepts. We will discuss the often-misunderstood topics of Equivalent Barrier Speed (EBS) and delta-V and you will learn different ways to analyze collisions, such as damage momentum, where a traditional conservation of linear momentum may not be the most appropriate analysis.

We will also explore the topic of crush. We will examine the basis of the three familiar energy equations that use crush measurements. Outside projects will provide you with “hands-on” experience in examining and measuring crash vehicles and then calculating damage energy and speeds.

This course will help you become more comfortable in utilizing energy-based methods in your analysis as we examine the underlying science that computer-based “crash” programs rely upon. It is an excellent complement to other training courses that teach you how to use “crash” software.

You should have a firm understanding of the topics of traffic crash reconstruction and conservation of linear momentum as well as strong basic math skills.

Topics Include

• Standards, measurements and dimensional analysis
• Understanding and using conversion factors
• Vectors
• Damage momentum and crush analysis
• Crush measuring protocol and measuring techniques
• Outdoor project - interpreting damage and measuring crush
• Energy concepts and analysis
• Determining appropriate post-impact drag factors
• Understanding EBS and delta-V
• Conservations of linear momentum and delta-V vectors
• Introduction to crush and Hooke’s Law
• Collision analysis using damage momentum
• Understanding and determining stiffness coefficients
• Damage (crush) analysis
• Pole impacts and fracture energy
• Using simultaneous equations to solve in-line collisions

Audience

Law enforcement and private traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel

Course Length

40 hours

Prerequisite(s)

You must have completed IPTM’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or its equivalent.

ACTAR Information

IPTM's Energy Methods and Damage Analysis in Traffic Crash Reconstruction course is eligible for 40 ACTAR CEUs.

What Our Students Are Saying

• “Excellent course. Thank you very much for coming to California! Excellent work deriving the crash 3 formula from basic concepts!” W. B.
• "Fantastic course! I've been using HVE/EDCRASH when working with crush profiles, but I didn't understand what was going on 'under the hood.' I do now!" – Trans. Practice Leader G.M.  
• “This course was excellent - really gave an overview of how energy can be calculated in crashes…Instructors were very knowledgeable and made the course interesting.” – Lt. S.E.
• “It was a privilege to have been instructed by men who literally “wrote the book” on cars reconstruction. This was the 1st class that I felt unsure on the final day before the exam, but I feel that I learned a great deal. I also feel I have a good understanding to continue learning on my own.” – D/Sgt. D.C.
• “Instructors explained the topics well. Course followed text as did instructors which made note taking & studying easy…. If I never use energy again, this course still helped me better understand & ultimately explain theories taught in Traffic Crash Reconstruction.” – D.B.
• “Both instructors were extremely knowledgeable in subject matter and were able to answer all questions. – D/Sgt. C.A.
• “These instructors are top notch. They are so well versed in this topic that you literally learn without knowing what you are learning.” – M.B.
• “I have a far better understanding of energies application in crash analysis. Learning from to top notch instructors with absolute expertise in the field and working “real life” problems.” – Ptlm. J.S.