How to Calculate Speed by Crush
- 1). Trace the outline of an aluminum can onto a piece of graph paper
- 2). Drop a heavy object directly onto the top of the can.
- 3). Trace the outline of the crushed can next to the first tracing, with the base of the can on the same line.
- 4). Measure the difference in height between the two cans to find the crush depth.
- 5). Apply the Crush Factor Formula to calculate the speed of the falling weight. First, multiply the crush depth by the "crush factor." This is a value based on statistical analysis of 1,000 accidents. It is available as a table (see References). Multiply this figure by 30. Find the square root of the total figure and this will give the speed of the vehicle at the point of impact.
