Enter the velocity of impact and the stopping distance of impact into the calculator to determine the number of G forces experienced during impact.

Impact G Force Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Impact G Force.

IGF = [1/2*v^2 / d ] /9.81
  • Where IGF is the number of g-forces experienced during the impact
  • d is the total distance traveled during impact (m)
  • v is the velocity of impact (m)

To calculate the impact force, divide the product of one-half the velocity of impact squared over the distance, then divide by 9.81.

What is an Impact G Force?

Definition:

An impact G force is the number of units of acceleration experienced during an impact relative to the acceleration due to gravity on Earth.

In other words, this is the acceleration during impact divided by 9.81 meters per second squared.

How to Calculate Impact G Force?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate the Impact G Force.

First, determine the velocity at impact. In this example, the velocity at impact is 45 m/s.

Next, determine the total distance of the impact. In this case, the impact distance was 1.25 m.

Finally, calculate the number of g forces during impact using the formula above:

IGF = [1/2*v^2 / d ] /9.81

IGF = [1/2*45^2 / 1.25 ] /9.81

IGF = 82.56 Gs

FAQ

What factors can affect the calculation of Impact G Force?

Several factors can affect the calculation of Impact G Force, including the accuracy of the velocity and distance measurements, the mass of the objects involved in the impact, and environmental conditions such as air resistance and surface friction. Precise measurements and accounting for these variables can lead to more accurate calculations.

How does the Impact G Force relate to the safety of vehicles in a crash?

The Impact G Force is a critical factor in assessing the safety of vehicles during a crash. Higher G forces typically indicate more severe impacts, which can lead to greater injury risk for occupants. Vehicle manufacturers design crumple zones, safety belts, and airbags to absorb and reduce the G forces experienced by occupants during a crash, enhancing safety.

Can the Impact G Force formula be used for any type of impact?

The Impact G Force formula provided can be applied to a wide range of impact scenarios, including vehicle collisions, falls, and sports-related impacts. However, it is most accurate for impacts where the primary forces involved are due to acceleration or deceleration within the gravitational field of the Earth. For more complex impacts involving rotational forces or impacts in environments with significantly different gravitational forces (such as on other planets), additional or different calculations may be necessary.