Research

GBB is arguably the only company in the UK that is carrying out research into low-speed collisions between motor vehicles. The aim of our research, which is self-funded and independent, is to gain knowledge and understanding in the behaviour of vehicles and occupants involved in low-speed collisions or incidents and to consider the findings against established Newtonian Physics principle. Our research findings assist our experts in their investigations thus enabling them to provide reports that are authoratitive and scientifically accurate.

Full-Size Crash Testing

In 2003 and 2005, GBB carried out a series of full-size crash tests between vehicles. These tests provided valuable information in the following areas.

The Relationship Between Damage and Impact Speed

Our research indicates that damage increases as the square of impact speed. This means that a small increase in impact speed causes a disproportionately large increase in damage. This is an important principle as it enables our experts to determine a narrow range of impact speeds from a thorough assessment of damage.

Occupant Biomechanics

The crash tests carried out in 2003 provided recorded visual evidence of the movement of occupants in a variety of collision scenarios. In the crash tests carried out in 2005, the occupants of the vehicles were instrumented with accelerometers to provide numerical data on their movement. From this data we have observed a strong relationship between the change in vehicle velocity and the disparity between the accelerations of the head and chest of an occupant. This disparity can be related to the whiplash mechanism and when combined with other research carried out world-wide, will take us closer to a true statistical relationship between injury probability and change in velocity.

Mathematical Modelling

Mathematical modelling of various aspects of low-speed vehicle collisions is carried out in parallel with practical research. The mathematical simulation of collisions, validated against our crash testing data, enables us to extend the frontiers of knowledge and understanding in this area.

Simulation

GBB have designed and constructed a crash simulator that tests and measures occupant movements for values of delta-v in the range 2 to 3 mph. So far, over 30 human volunteers have used the simulator without injury thus lending weight to the argument that the whiplash mechanism is not triggered at values of delta-v up to 3 mph.

Bus Testing

Bus testing is a developing area of research for GBB. We have carried out a number of bus tests to assess the effects of braking on the forces and accelerations experienced by occupants both seated and standing. We have already provided evidence that has been of assistance in resolving a number of high-value claims.