Discussion the physics of collisions - Essay Example

This paper will use information from the statements recorded to prove, both theoretically and scientifically, that it was not Sandy Dayton fault that the accident happened. It will also confirm that Sunday Dayton was not speeding before the crash occurred. From the Accident Investigators report, the 1988 Chevrolet cargo van had hit Sandys 1978 Ford Mustang from the rear. Secondly, both vehicles had skidded on braking before the crash, with Sandys car making a 90 feet skid mark while the Cargo van slid for 45 feet.

The 1978 Ford Mustang was pushed 30 feet into the intersection after the crash. The kinetic friction coefficient was determined to be 0.59 using a drag sled. The weight of Sandys car was 2700 lbs while that of the cargo van was not reported. West Trenton speed limit is 35mph. This paper will use this data to determine the speeds of both vehicles before the drivers hit the brakes. This speed will show which of the two vehicles was speeding before the accident. Analysis of skid marks is essential in an auto accident reconstruction in estimating the speed of the car exactly before the driver hit the brakes.

A simple friction model is used, provided the information on the cars tires, and the surface of the road is provided (Bohan, Damask, and Bee). In this case, the accident investigator provided us with the kinetic friction coefficient between the surface of the road and the tires, given as 0.59. Since both vehicles were initially in motion, the Kinetic Energy approach will be used to determine the work done to bring the car to a stop. The Kinetic energy K due to the motion of the car of mass m and speed v is given by; Kinetic energy was converted to heat energy in the tires, the road, and the air when the car skidded to a stop.

This conversion is as a result of the work of Friction W. Work done is given by force f