Whether you’re performing simulations with HVE or m-smac, running traditional crush analyses, analyzing low speeders using the MER method (Momentum Energy Restitution), or evaluating sideswipes Toor-style, you’re going to need to get your hands on some stiffness coefficients.

One option is to go direct to the source here, where you can query the NHTSA’s database, find the pertinent report, sift through for the requisite data, and calculate the resultant stiffnesses. While that’s a “free” option, it’ll take a bit of time and energy.

​Neptune Engineering used to process all the NHTSA crash tests, perform the calcs, and offer the results for $120. Unfortunately, that portion of Neptune’s store hasn’t been updated for over four years, with 2017 being the last model year covered. I called Mr. Neptune several months ago and was told he didn’t intend to update the site going forward. Being a data enthusiast and a proprietor of a recon-related data outlet, I asked if he’d be interested in selling the company to Lightpoint so we could pick up where he left off. Unfortunately, he was not interested in such an arrangement. He invited me to start a new stiffness database…more on that below.

Last, but certainly not least, is StifCalcs by 4N6XPRT Systems. For $700 you can get access to all the NHTSA tests and the Vomhofs’ analyses thereof. Alternatively, they’ll prep specific vehicle data for only $50. They very generously offer their methodology and scientific sources in the Stifcalcs manual, which can be found here.

Considering the above, would you like to see Lightpoint pick up where Neptune left off, or is the community already well served (vote to see results)?

Thanks for reading along...keep exploring!

Lou Peck
​Lightpoint | Axiom

P.S. Leica was kind enough to provide a quote, and as estimated, the scale bar featured in last week's email is indeed around the $2,500 price point.