Using MassZone to Predict a 2 Vehicle Collision

You can easily create crash predictions by arranging the objects involved in the crash, adding the objects to MZU, and then running the prediction. This is referred to as the “point and run” method.

  1. Create road geometry for the intersection by drawing roads, importing a point cloud, or placing a photo of the intersection from the Satellite tool.

  2. Place the vehicles at their starting locations, facing in their proper directions.

  3. Click a model, and from the tool panel select Add to MassZone. Repeat for the other vehicle. Notice that a vector appears above the vehicles that you add to MassZone.

  4. Click a model, enter the Initial Velocity value and then repeat for the other vehicle.

    5. The vehicles' vectors display the Initial Velocity value. This vector is based on the direction and travel of the model, along with the Initial Velocity value. The vector updates during changes in speed, and the vehicle's angle during the collision.

  5. To include additional parameters for a vehicle, from the tool panel, click MassZone Options. You can also right-click a vehicle to select this option from the context menu.

  6. Align the vehicles to intersect. Select a vehicle model. Grab the rotate grip (hold down mouse key on the red (rotate) grip and move the cursor to the target area and click or snap.

  7. Open the MassZone Control Panel by selecting a model and then clicking on MassZone Control Panel. You can also right-click the model to select this option from the context menu.

  8. Click Calculate Prediction to run a prediction. Clicking Calculate Prediction also removes data from the previous run, and applies any changed values. When you run a prediction, a countdown displays. During collision, the prediction slows due to processing time.

    9. During calculation, the playback buttons are disabled and they display in gray. The Calculate Prediction button changes to a Stop button during calculations. Click the Stop button to stop a calculation that is in progress.

  9. Use the playback buttons to:

    10. Play in real time
    Pause during the playback
    Stop the playback
    Forward or rewind the playback
    Scroll through the playback

  10. You can change the view of the collision using normal navigation tools anytime during calculation or playback.