Accident Information for Traffic Accident Reconstruction : The relationships between the elapsed time, which starts from the light bulb power off to bulb rupture, and filament surface color

Abstract

In order to clarify the filament surface color for accident reconstruction, the experimental destruction of seven kinds of light bulbs was carried out by changing the time between the light bulb power off and bulb rupture. The following results were obtained. (1) According to the time, the oxidized color changes to dark grey, green, blue, purple, yellow, and light grey in this order. (2) The relationships among the time, color index number alloted to a typical filament surface color, and the light bulb's rated consumption of electricity were obtained as an approximate equation. (3) Elapsed time starting from the power off can be derived on the basis of the surface color or an approximate equation. (4) The oxidized color is very useful for traffic accident reconstruction. By means of this information along with conventional findings, drivers' behavior at the accident may be postulated more precisely.