Module Descriptors
FORENSIC ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION
MECH60402
Key Facts
Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Sciences
Level 6
15 credits
Contact
Leader: Peter Barnes
Email: P.Barnes@staffs.ac.uk
Hours of Study
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: 26
Independent Study Hours: 124
Total Learning Hours: 150
Assessment
  • COURSEWORK weighted at 30%
  • EXAMINATION - UNSEEN IN EXAMINATION CONDITIONS weighted at 70%
Module Details
Module Resources
Police accident investigation unit or equivalent.
Online database of accident information
Module Special Admissions Requirements
Level 5 Forensic Engineering or Automotive Technology/Engineering or equivalent.
Module Texts
Carper K Forensic Engineering 2000, CRC Press ISBN: 0849374847
Noon Randall KForensic engineering investigation2001 CRC Press ISBN/ISSN: 0849309115
Donald J Van Kirk, Vehicular Accident Investigation and Reconstruction, CRC, 2000, ISBN: 0849320208
Module Learning Strategies
Lectures 12 x 1 hour
Tutorials 12 x 1 hour
Site/Investigator visit x 2 hours
Module Additional Assessment Details
1 Coursework - Accident reconstruction report to expert witness standard. 2000 words app. (30%) assessing learning outcomes 1 and 2.
End Examination 2 hours (70%) assessing learning outcome 3.
Module Indicative Content
Reconstruction Techniques to include a selection of:-
Energy methods to include skid, crush, flip & roll, elevation change
Momentum methods to determine delta v
Critical speed estimation
Projectile motion
Secondary evidence- witness marks, seat belt friction, lamp filament status
Psychological, visual, conspicuity issues.
Evidence gathering practical issues.
Photography & survey.
Advancing technology and its impact- ABS, LED lamps, 'black box'
The role of professional accident investigators and reconstructionists and expert witnesses.
Simulation & reconstruction algorithms and packages. SMAC/CRASH etc.