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CRASH3

Definition

Calspan Reconstruction of Accident Speeds on the Highway version 3: a mathematical model that relates permanent crush depth to absorbed energy through vehicle-specific stiffness coefficients, allowing calculation of the change in velocity (delta-V) a vehicle experienced.

Related terms

Dynamic crush
The maximum deformation depth at the moment of peak force during impact, before any elastic recovery. Dynamic crush is larger than residual...
Energy equivalent speed (EES)
The speed at which a vehicle would strike a rigid fixed barrier to absorb the same amount of energy as observed from...
Residual crush
The permanent, non-recoverable deformation depth remaining after the elastic springback of the vehicle structure. This is what is measured at the scene...
SMAC
Simulation Model of Automobile Collisions: a trajectory and damage simulation that uses CRASH3-type stiffness data to model full collision kinematics, including vehicle...
Stiffness coefficients A and B
Vehicle-specific constants derived from staged barrier crash tests. A is the force threshold below which no permanent crush occurs (N/m width). B...

Explained in

  • Crush Energy and Speed from DamageCalspan Reconstruction of Accident Speeds on the Highway version 3: a mathematical model that relates permanent crush depth to absorbed energy through vehicle-...

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