Crash dynamics is the study of how vehicles, structures, and occupants respond to impact and deceleration forces during a crash event. In aviation, this discipline focuses on enhancing occupant protection and survivability in aircraft accidents through various test methods and analytical techniques. It addresses the design, testing, and approval of seats and other components that comply with Head Impact Criteria (HIC) and side-facing seat certification standards. This work supports system-level crashworthiness for both metallic and composite aircraft, rotorcraft, and emerging vehicle types such as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.

Discipline leadership supports the FAA's research initiatives, accident investigation, and policy development related to crash survivability and cabin safety. This includes international collaboration with industry, other government agencies, and academia to advance crashworthiness methods and occupant protection technologies. As an emerging science, crash dynamics relies on innovative engineering research and development.

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Dr. Joseph Pellettiere, Chief Scientist and Technical Advisor
joseph.pellettiere@faa.gov
8427 South Park Cir 
Orlando, FL 32819