I appreciate seeing how other reconstructionists address some of the more challenging analyses we’re tasked with, and I’m especially appreciative when they take the time and energy to publish their methods. Donald and John Struble have done just that with their textbook, Automotive Accident Reconstruction: Practices and Principles.

I first learned about the publication about seven years ago while wrestling with the proper incorporation of the coefficient of restitution in a crush analysis. I phoned a couple friends and arrived at a somewhat comfortable solution, but upon receipt of the other expert’s file, learned that a better way was detailed in the subject book. I quickly got my hands on a copy and was delighted to see deep discussions of many concepts not typically covered in recon textbooks. Here are some noteworthy topics the authors cover:

  • A Program for Reverse Trajectory Calculation Using Splines

  • Vehicle Data Sources for the Accident Reconstructionist

  • Filtering Impulse Data

  • Downloading and Analyzing NHTSA Load Cell Barrier Data

  • Vehicle Structure Crash Dynamics

  • Crush Energy in Accident Vehicles and Nonlinear Structures

  • Structural Stiffness in Side Impacts

  • Narrow Fixed-Object Collisions

  • Simulation Models and Other Computer Programs

They also discuss some more traditional concepts, like Newton’s Laws of Motion, tire models, photogrammetry, time-distance studies, measuring crush, etc. It’s a dense and valuable resource, well worth adding to the library. If you pick up a copy, aim to snag the second edition.

Thanks for reading, keep exploring!

Lou Peck
​Lightpoint | Axiom

P.S. America, a melting pot of different measurements!