Vehicle Collision Simulator

This simulator demonstrates the dynamics of vehicle collisions and the effectiveness of Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems. It models two vehicles: a lead vehicle that may brake suddenly and a following vehicle equipped with AEB, allowing users to explore different scenarios and safety margins.
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Overview

This interactive simulator helps users understand vehicle collision dynamics and the importance of Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems in preventing rear-end collisions. It provides a realistic visualization of vehicle behavior under various conditions, allowing users to explore the relationships between speed, distance, reaction time, and braking force.

How to Use the Simulator
  1. Set Initial Parameters:
    • Lead Vehicle Speed: Speed of the front vehicle (0-145 km/h)
    • Subject Vehicle Speed: Speed of the following vehicle (0-145 km/h)
    • Initial Separation: Starting distance between vehicles (recommended: >2 seconds of following distance)
    • Lead Vehicle Deceleration: Braking force of front vehicle (0-1.25 g)
    • Subject Vehicle Deceleration: Braking force of following vehicle (0-1.25 g)
    • Subject Vehicle Reaction Time: Delay before braking begins (typical human: 1.5s, typical AEB: 0.5s)
  2. Run the Simulation: Click "Run" to start and observe vehicle movements
  3. Analyze Results: Review the graphs and metrics to understand collision dynamics
Key Equations and Physics
Distance: s = ut + ½at²
where s = distance traveled, u = initial velocity, t = time, a = deceleration (negative acceleration)
Velocity: v = u + at
where v = final velocity at time t
Time to Collision (TTC): -s/(v₁ - v₂)
where s = separation distance, v₁ = following vehicle speed, v₂ = lead vehicle speed
Example Scenarios
1. Stationary Object:
Lead Vehicle: 0 km/h, Subject Vehicle: 80 km/h
Tests emergency stopping capability
2. Sudden Braking:
Both vehicles: 80 km/h, High lead vehicle deceleration
Demonstrates impact of reaction time
3. Speed Differential:
Lead Vehicle: 60 km/h, Subject Vehicle: 100 km/h
Shows closing speed effects
Output Metrics
  • Minimum Distance: Closest separation between vehicles during simulation
  • Impact Speed: Relative velocity at collision (if collision occurs)
  • AEB TTC: Time-to-collision when reaction time begins
  • Time of Collision: When impact occurs in simulation timeline
This simulator is for educational purposes only. It uses simplified physics models and should not be used for actual vehicle safety calculations. Always maintain safe following distances and follow local traffic laws.

Vehicle Positions vs Time

Vehicle Separation vs Time