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CRASH3 based computer programs model a vehicle structure as a homogeneous body. Crush stiffness coefficients determined from full-overlap crash tests, when used in these computer programs allow for an accurate reconstruction of collisions where the accident damage profiles are full-overlap. The structures of vehicles, however, might not be purely homogeneous in their crush response. How accurately do crush stiffness coefficients that were determined from full-overlap crash tests represent the crush response of that same vehicle in a partial-overlap/offset frontal collision? Before this question can be answered a method needs to be developed for determining crush stiffness coefficients from partial-overlap/offset frontal test collisions. These crush stiffness coefficients then could be used in a comparative analysis of the crush response of vehicles tested in both full-overlap and partial-overlap/offset frontal collisions.

The CRASH3 computer program models a vehicle structure as a homogeneous body with linear force-deflection characteristics. Crush stiffness coefficients determined from full-overlap crash tests, when used in this computer program, allow for an accurate reconstruction of collisions where the accident damage profiles are full-overlap. In the past, partial-overlap frontal crash tests were not performed. The lack of partial-overlap frontal crash tests meant that a reconstructionist only had crush stiffness coefficients available that were determined from full-overlap frontal crash tests. In a reconstruction, the assignment of stiffness coefficients to a partial-overlap damage profile required engineering judgement. Often the basis of such judgement was questioned because of the lack of supporting partial-overlap test data. Recently partial-overlap crash tests have been performed and the test data has been made available to the public.