Mechanical – mathematical modelling of multiphase collision between motor vehicles

Abstract The multiphase collision between vehicles during a road traffic accident is investigated through a mechanical – mathematical model and computer simulation of the intermediate positions of two vehicles throughout the impact duration. The boundary value problem of the collision is solved to achieve a satisfactory match of the contact impact surfaces of the motor vehicles, as observed after the accident. In this way, the macro – task of the impact is addressed, overcoming the main shortcoming of traditional methods-the reduction of impact forces to a single resultant force. As a result of the study, the variable vector of the resultant impact force is identified for the entire collision period.