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AITools Linear Momentum |
AITools Linear Momentum is a computer program to assist the collision analyst with linear momentum calculations. The program has been designed to be easy to use with data and results integrated into the main display to increase your productivity. See AITools Linear Momentum Sample Screens.
The principle of conservation of linear momentum is a powerful method to analyze some motor vehicle collisions. Conservation of linear momentum is a direct result of Newton's Laws of Motion. When two vehicles collide, the force acting between the vehicles is normally much larger than all other forces. Other forces, such as the tire forces, are assumed to be negligible. With this assumption, the total momentum of two vehicles before a collision will be the same as that after the wreck. If the vehicle weights, separation velocities, and approach headings are known for both vehicles, the approach speeds can be determined.
AITools Linear Momentum has programmed the principle of conservation of linear momentum so the user can quickly and easily enter the input data and have the approach speeds calculated. In addition, the program automatically calculates the collision speed changes and their directions. A scaled momentum diagram is drawn to assist the user with an understanding of the numeric results. All this at a glance. There is no longer any need to switch to a separate graphics screen to get the whole picture.
AITools Linear Momentum is flexible and will work the way you want it to. Many reconstructionists have learned to use momentum methods with the first vehicle approaching along the X-Axis. If that is the way you work, so will AITools Linear Momentum. The momentum diagram can be drawn with the approach velocities pointing into the origin and the separation velocities directed away from the origin. The program adapts to your method of solution.
Other times, you may wish to use a more general method of defining the approach velocities. This is fully supported in two ways; the first with the X-Axis displayed to the right, or alternatively with the X-Axis up and the Y-Axis to the right, which is consistent with SAE definitions.
Click here to view a Linear Momentum sample report.
FEATURES
- Solves the general angled momentum problem.
- Solves the inline momentum problem if one entry speed is known.
- Allows you to calculate a departure speed using a slide-to-stop equation.
- Graphical display of the momentum diagram.
- Support for approach angles for vehicle one along the X-Axis.
- Support for left-handed and right-handed coordinate systems. Display the X-Axis either to the right or to the top of the screen.
- Work in either US or metric units with a key press.
- Complete on-line help.
- High-quality reports containing all input data and results. Users can specify a printer font to optimize the appearance of the report.
- Comprehensive User's Manual contains the formulas used by the program to enable the reconstructionist to calculate the same results by hand to prove the results for court.
- Software developed and supported by experienced and practicing collision analysts.
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
The requirements to run ARSoftware programs are limited but important. The software requires a computer running a 32-bit version of Windows. In addition, you will need a mouse or other pointing device. The software is compact enough that there are no practical memory or storage requirements. The software can be operated in a network environment but is licensed to an individual.