A: DeltaV, or Impact speed change, is normally associated with a collision. (to avoid those among you who will say `but you encounter a DeltaV when braking!)
- So it normally occurs over a 50 to 200 millisecond period of time.
DeltaV is an impulse, which means a Force over time.
From Sir Isaac, F=Ma.
So the acceleration is the Force/Mass.
So DeltaV*Mass = Force * DeltaT
An impact speed change generally does not occur at a constant force. It's waveform is generally considered similar to a quarter sine wave (there have been a few recent papers looking at different characterizations)
So what does that mean?
Well that the force, or acceleration, is not a constant.
So to characterize an impact speed change you need to know the duration of the impulse and characteristics of the force (or acceleration) during that impulse.
- Do they mean average acceleration (meaning assuming a square wave?)
Do they mean peak acceleration?
And if peak then you must know what waveform are they assuming for the acceleration (so you can find the area under the curve or waveform)?
It is not only about damage interpretations, it is about work, energy, acceleration, etc.