  |
2009 ARC-CSI Crash Conference Presentation
Commercial Vehicle Dynamics Factors in Collision Reconstruction
Presented By: Daniel Melcher, P.E.
Time: 1.5 Hours
The dynamics of commercial vehicles, especially articulated vehicles, differ greatly from the dynamics of typical automobiles. Professionals trained in standard vehicular crash reconstruction techniques may find that their training left them inadequately prepared for the investigation and reconstruction of incidents involving heavy vehicles. The performance of commercial vehicles in acceleration, deceleration, lateral motion, rotational motion, roll and pitch, and handling characteristics can provide insight into the events leading up to a collision and avoidance capabilities, as well as during the impact and post-impact trajectory phases. An understanding of factors such as articulation, high centers of gravity, rollover propensity, off-tracking in turns, jack-knifes, trailer swingouts, acceleration rates, air brake performance, air brake lag time, emergency brake lockup, and lane change performance is essential in the investigation and reconstruction of commercial vehicle collisions. This paper will provide an introduction to vehicle dynamics concepts applicable to commercial vehicle collisions, with a presentation of scientific analyses that are unique to heavy vehicles.
About Daniel J. Melcher
Mr. Melcher is a Professional Engineer and Consultant with experience, education, and training in the fields of Mechanical Engineering, Transportation and Traffic Engineering, and Forensic Engineering. For nearly a decade, his practice has focused on providing Transportation Safety consulting services to legal, insurance, governmental, and corporate clients throughout North America. Specific areas of expertise include vehicle collision reconstruction, commercial vehicle crash investigation and analysis, highway work zone traffic control safety, roadway design and traffic control devices, vehicle system components and dynamics, and driver factors and transportation safety statistics. Mr. Melcher’s ongoing Transportation Safety research and international safety policy consulting has resulted in many peer- reviewed publications and presentations at technical conferences and professional forums around the globe. He has provided expert witness testimony in criminal proceedings and civil litigation at the deposition, mediation, and jury trial levels in 12 states.
