Which type of damage is the result of the transmission of contact force through a vehicle?

The correct answer is induced damage. This type of damage occurs when forces are transmitted through a vehicle's structure due to contact with another object or surface. When a vehicle experiences a collision, the energy from the impact travels through the frame and components, resulting in a reaction where parts of the vehicle may bend, crumple, or otherwise deform. This is distinct from other forms of damage such as contact damage, which typically refers to surface-level damage caused directly by the contact point, or external damage, which addresses the visible features affected on the outer surface but does not account for the internal reactions. Internal damage refers to structural or functional issues that may arise from impacts but does not specifically tie to the transmission of force through the material of the vehicle. Induced damage highlights the broader consequences of force transmission felt throughout different parts of the vehicle, making it the most accurate choice in this context.