This paper presents current research regarding intra-platoon collision
dynamics for rapid decelerations. Measures of ride quality and impact
severity are introduced to allow comparisons between different collis
ion scenarios. In this study, the disturbance input to the platoon is
assumed to be a rapid braking of the lead vehicle. Several deceleratio
n rates are used to assess the overall platoon behavior and the effect
of the intra-platoon collisions on the platoon passengers. The role o
f the desired headway spacing on preventing the occurrence of intra-pl
atoon collisions and improving rider comfort is discussed.