Crash Scene Physics (CSR 101)

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is intended to develop an understanding of the physics involved in a collision. Students will learn how to correctly calculate the velocity of vehicles involved in collisions in addition to understanding kinetic and potential energy as they relate to the speed and impact of a collision. Several mathematical formulas are discussed and practiced.

This course will consist of four (4) video lessons, including an assessment at the conclusion of each segment.

Credit: 4 hrs.

BASIC PHYSICS PART 1

Lesson Purpose:

To develop an understanding of the foundation for the velocity calculations used in collision reconstruction by discussing the different forces and energies involved in the mathematical formulas for determining speed.

Training Objectives: 

At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to achieve the following objectives in accordance with the information received in class:

1. Differentiate between Aristotle, Galileo and Sir Isaac Newton’s beliefs as they relate to basic physics.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the different types of energy and how they relate to Newton's Laws.
3. Define key terms associated with Motion.
4. Explain the difference between Scale and Vector as these terms apply to force.
5. Determine the difference between the types of energy as they relate to Newton’s Laws.

Video Length: 00:07:33

BASIC PHYSICS PART 2

Lesson Purpose:

To develop an understanding of kinetic energy and critical speed of a vehicle when it skids to a complete stop and to discuss mathematical formulas for determining kinetic energy and critical speed.

Training Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to achieve the following objectives in accordance with the information received in class:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of physics as they relate to crash scene reconstruction.
2. Demonstrate the kinetic energy of a vehicle in a crash when it skids to a complete stop.
3. Determine the critical speed of a vehicle in a crash when it skids to a complete stop.

Video Length: 00:07:01

BASIC PHYSICS PART 3

Lesson Purpose:

To develop an understanding of inertia and gravitational potential energy as they relate to finding the speed of a vehicle when it is launched off a cliff. The mathematical formulas for determining critical speed are practiced.

Training Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to achieve the following objectives in accordance with the information received in class:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic knowledge of inertia.
2. Demonstrate an understanding for Conservation of Energy by using collision scenarios to investigate collisions.
3. Demonstrate a basic understanding Conservation of Momentum and how it can be applied in collision reconstruction for analysis of speed data to determine speed.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of basic knowledge of Gravitational Potential Energy.
5. Determine the speed of a vehicle that has launched off a cliff.

Length: 00:11:51

BASIC PHYSICS PART 4

Lesson Purpose:

To develop an understanding of how Elastic Potential Energy relates to determination of vehicle speed from damage. To discuss Mathematical formulas for determining the energy absorbed during a collision event.

Training Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, the student will be able to achieve the following objectives in accordance with the information received in class:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of how the Potential Energy of a vehicle can assist in the determination of the vehicle’s speed.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of Hooke’s Law and how it can be used in crash scene reconstruction.6. Demonstrate an understanding of how the forces involved in a collision relate to vehicle damage and occupant injury.
3. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of Spring Constant.
4. Demonstrate a basic understanding of Linear Force Deflection.
5. To calculate the Elastic Potential Energy that is absorbed by the residual crush of a collision.

Video Length: 00:10:40