Instructed by: John Daily & Wade Bartlett

This course will provide you with a more complete understanding of the physics that are applied in the reconstruction of a traffic crash or any other incident where motion is involved.

While some of the topics discussed in the course are introduced in basic crash investigation and reconstruction courses, they will be given significantly more in-depth coverage in this course. In addition, Applied Physics for the Traffic Crash Investigator will prepare you for the concepts presented in advanced reconstruction courses using computer modeling.

Topics Include

• Math overview
• Work-energy relationships and applications
• Conservation of linear momentum/impulse (with vector sum analysis using mathematical and graphical methods)
• Uniform projectile motion/airborne equations
• Uniform circular motion/critical speed
• Tire forces and tire mark evidence
• Time-distance relationships
• Energy loss in collisions/Crush Analysis
• Rotational mechanics/rotation after collision and pitch down in take off
• Low-speed collision considerations including the coefficient of restitution

Audience

Law enforcement and private traffic crash investigators, claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety officers, military investigative personnel, animators and graphic designers

Course Length

40 hours

Prerequisite(s)

You must have completed IPTM’s Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or its equivalent. If you do not have a strong math and physics background, we recommend attending IPTM's 16-hour Re-Introduction to Math and Physics (Online) course.

What to Bring

Required: A scientific calculator

Recommended

•     Work clothes for outside activities (including inclement weather)
•     Camera and equipment to document field exercises

ACTAR Information

This course is approved by ACTAR for 40 CEUs.

What Our Students Are Saying

• “Good thorough explanations of theory and background. Excellent instructors and thorough take-home materials.” – S.B. Engineer
• “Both instructors have such a vast amount of knowledge and experience that it is easy to get questions answered and trust what they are teaching.” – Det. G.P.
• “All the topics provided a better understanding of the dynamics and physics involved in vehicular collisions.” – Sgt. N.H.
• “I learned new material and methods for solving speed and velocity.” – Ofc. N.H.
• “The instructor was very knowledgeable in the field and was able to answer any question he was asked.” – PFC A.I.
• “Instructor had the knowledge and experience to teach class, used it well and related concepts and real world collision applications.” – S.G.