Impact Velocity from Conservation of Linear Momentum for the Traffic
Accident Investigator and Reconstructionist
Impact Velocity from Conservation of Linear
Momentum
for the Traffic Accident Investigator and
Reconstructionist
by W.A. Kennedy
This manual brings you the mathematical solutions to
two-vehicle collisions that require the application of momentum. The author
reduces the complex topic of linear momentum to a series of simple steps that
use the 360-degree method of angle measurement and illustrates every step with
easy-to-understand diagrams.
With this manual, you can learn how the speed-at-impact
formulas are derived, what information is required for their use and how they
can be applied to a variety of situations to solve for the pre-collision speed
of each crash vehicle. The author, W. A. Kennedy, also discusses vehicle
dynamics in collisions and lays the groundwork for the advanced study of
momentum.
Six practical momentum problems enable you to test your
understanding of the topic after you have read and studied the manual.
The book includes the following chapters:
- Conservation of Linear Momentum
- Newton’s Laws of Motion
- Data Required to Solve for Impact Velocity
- Cartesian Coordinate System
- Vectors
- Negative Vectors
- Determining Momentum
- Use of Subscripts to Identify Vehicles
- Change of Momentum Equation
- Derivation of Linear Momentum Equation
- Measuring Approach and Departure Angles
- Use of Trigonometric Functions
- Derivation of the Speed-at-Impact Equations from the Linear Momentum Equation
- Using the Speed-at-Impact Equations
- Practice Problems
- Use of Equipment
Walter A. “Butch” Kennedy served 17 years with the
Jacksonville (Florida) Sheriff’s Department and was awarded the Medal of Merit
for Bravery in 1983. While there, he was assigned as Academy instructor in crash
investigation and reconstruction and tactical police driving. Mr. Kennedy has
been a member of the faculty at IPTM teaching crash investigation and
reconstruction courses throughout the country.
Specifications: 66 pages; 8½”x11”; GBC bound; Publisher: IPTM (June 1993)
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