The Science of Impact, The Impact of Science: A Crash Course in Accident Reconstruction from a Social-Scientific Lens

Rajeev Kelkar, PhD
In Conversation with Bridget Algee

We move through our daily lives riding in cars, navigating stairs and other changes in elevation, using tools and machines, and performing countless other routine activities—often without pausing to consider their underlying complexity. Our brains, seemingly without a second thought, adapt to these mechanical challenges, finding effective solutions with remarkable efficiency. This lecture invites the audience to take that “second thought,” hoping to foster a deeper appreciation for the hidden mechanics of everyday life and consumer products, and the mathematics and physics principles that make our lives safer.

However, accidents can and do still occur when an unfortunate series of coincidental events overwhelms product design assumptions or human adaptability. Drawing on real-world case studies, this lecture introduces the fields of accident reconstruction and injury biomechanics, exploring the fundamental science of impacts and motion, and examining the impact of science on improving safety, reducing injuries, and the societal value of these sciences. Through these examples, the audience will hopefully gain insight into how mathematics, mechanics, biomechanics and human factors intersect in the real world—and why that intersection matters.
 

Workshop

Following the talk, join Kelkar at 7:00 p.m. for a live, Q&A-driven workshop where he will share his journey from academia to industry to founder. Direct the conversation to dive deeper into the aspects of his talk of most interest to you. Learn also about the path that led him to become an expert and entrepreneur in this important field.

About the Speaker 

Dr. Rajeev Kelkar specializes in accident reconstruction and the biomechanics of human injury. He is the founder of InSciTech, Inc., an engineering consulting firm resolving technical problems, where he currently serves as a consultant. Dr. Kelkar holds an MS, MPhil, and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University. He has extensive experience in the analysis of injuries associated with automotive and workplace accidents, falls, and consumer products. Dr. Kelkar’s research has included analytical and experimental evaluation of upper extremity injuries, experimental and computer simulations of surgical reconstruction of the rotator cuff, and mathematical modeling of automotive and recreational accidents. He has also focused on child-safety issues, including car-seat and booster-seat performance, as well as the human body’s response and tolerance to heat. Dr. Kelkar also performs computer-based accident reconstruction and simulation, including time-motion analyses, three-dimensional data acquisition using photogrammetry, and vehicle occupant dynamics. 

Food & Drinks will be provided during the networking break, 6:30–7:00 p.m.

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