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SMAC

Definition

Simulation Model of Automobile Collisions: a trajectory and damage simulation that uses CRASH3-type stiffness data to model full collision kinematics, including vehicle rotation, post-impact travel, and damage distribution.

Full name
Simulation Model of Automobile Collisions
Input data
CRASH3-type vehicle stiffness coefficients
Models
Vehicle rotation, post-impact travel, damage distribution
Output type
Full trajectory and damage simulation

Common questions

How does SMAC differ from a plain crush-energy calculation?+

SMAC simulates the entire collision kinematics, including how the vehicles rotate and travel after impact, rather than only estimating a single closing speed from crush depth and stiffness.

What data does SMAC require as input?+

Vehicle stiffness coefficients, measured damage profiles from both vehicles, and assumptions about pre-impact trajectory and heading feed the simulation.

Related terms

CRASH3
Calspan Reconstruction of Accident Speeds on the Highway version 3: a mathematical model that relates permanent crush depth to absorbed energy through...
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...
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...

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