Training Courses

Energy Methods and Damage Analysis in Traffic Crash Reconstruction by IPTM

Date & Time:
  • October 5, 2026 – October 9, 2026
Location:
Greensboro, NC

Energy Methods and Damage Analysis in Traffic Crash Reconstruction

This 40-hour course is designed to eliminate the apprehension many traffic crash reconstructionists feel when working with energy-based analysis methods. By demystifying complex energy concepts, participants will gain confidence in applying these analytical approaches to vehicle collision investigations.

Throughout the program, attendees will develop the ability to examine and evaluate collisions through an energy perspective, progressing from fundamental principles to sophisticated techniques. The curriculum addresses frequently misunderstood concepts such as Equivalent Barrier Speed (EBS) and delta-V, and introduces various collision analysis methodologies, including damage momentum analysis as an alternative to traditional linear momentum conservation approaches. Hands-on outdoor projects allow students to practice measuring and examining crash vehicles while calculating associated damage energy and velocities.

This course provides excellent preparation for more advanced training, complementing instruction on crash simulation software by examining the underlying scientific principles upon which these programs are built.

Course Topics

  • Standards, measurements, and dimensional analysis
  • Conversion factors and their applications
  • Vectors and vector analysis
  • Damage momentum and crush analysis techniques
  • Crush measurement protocols and procedures
  • Outdoor project activities for damage assessment and crush measurement
  • Energy concepts and their practical applications
  • Post-impact drag factor determination
  • EBS and delta-V fundamentals
  • Linear momentum and delta-V vector conservation
  • Introduction to crush dynamics and Hooke's Law
  • Collision analysis using damage momentum methods
  • Stiffness coefficient calculations and determination
  • Damage and crush analysis procedures
  • Pole impact analysis and fracture energy
  • Simultaneous equation solutions for in-line collision analysis

Course Details

Duration: 40 hours

Class Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Fee: $895.00

ACTAR Credit: 40 ACTAR Continuing Education Units are available upon course completion.

Target Audience

This course is intended for law enforcement and private sector traffic crash investigators, insurance claims adjusters, engineers, attorneys, safety professionals, and military investigative personnel. Florida sworn law enforcement personnel may be eligible for FDOT grant-funded training seats (federal and military law enforcement in Florida do not qualify for this funding).

Prerequisites

Participants must have successfully completed IPTM's Traffic Crash Reconstruction course or an equivalent program. Students lacking a strong background in mathematics and physics are strongly encouraged to first complete IPTM's 16-hour Re-Introduction to Math and Physics course (available online).

Required Materials

  • Scientific calculator
  • Work clothes suitable for outdoor activities and inclement weather

Recommended Materials

  • Camera
  • Flash drive (2GB or larger capacity)

Scheduled Sessions

Greensboro, North Carolina
October 5-9, 2026
Greensboro Police Department - District Two Substation
Community Room, 2305 Soabar Street
Greensboro, NC 27406

Tempe, Arizona
November 16-20, 2026
Tempe Police Department - Hardy Substation
8201 South Hardy Drive
Tempe, AZ 85284
Instructors: John Daily, Hamed Sadrnia

Scott, Louisiana
January 4-8, 2027
Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office Training Center
1825 West Willow Street, Building 2
Scott, LA 70583
Instructor: John Daily