The objective of this work is to build a PTW numerical model dedicated for the purpose of accident reconstruction. This model is based on multibody mechanics and is able to represent the dynamic behaviour of a PTW during the pre-impact phase of an accident. This model had to take into ac-count the specificities necessary to simulate emergency maneuvers like hard braking or avoidance maneuver. Experimental tests were conducted on track using an instrumented motorbike and model validation is based on comparisons between numerical simulations and experimental tests for emergency manoeuvres. Then, this model is the centre of a methodology developed to perform PTW accident reconstructions and to identify the most probable configuration. It consists on a par-ametric analysis based on numerical simulation of several accident configurations with inputs driver variations. Results of simulations are then compared with the real data observed on the scene. Two real accidents provided by in-depth accident studies performed at IFSTTAR-LMA have been recon-structed using this methodology in order to show the suitability of the model and the robustness of the process.

(EVU-members can download the full article)