1st Edition

Introduction to Forensic Engineering

By Randall K. Noon Copyright 1992

    Forensic engineering is generally defined as the application of engineering principles and methodology to answer questions of fact that may have legal ramifications. This new book provides an introduction to the science, methodology, and engineering principles involved in the diagnosis of some common types of accidents and failures, such as fires, explosions, automobile accidents, storm damage, industrial accidents, slips and falls, arson, water pipe damage and more. Each chapter stands alone and can be read without reference to the others. The chapters have been written so that non-technical professionals can easily digest the information and immediately apply it. The book will also be useful to technical professionals who are unfamiliar with particular investigative methodology or technical points of interest.

    Introduction to Forensic Engineering will benefit lawyers, insurance investigators, engineers, and other professionals who must handle investigative and legal aspects of accidents or failures.

    Vehicular Accidents. Vehicular
    Accident Reconstruction Using Basic Energy Analysis Techniques. Application of Classical Scientific Method to Accident Reconstruction. Motorcycle Accidents. Photographic Documentation of Accident-Damaged Vehicles. Vehicular and Marine Lighting. Storm Lightning Damage. Vibration and Blasting Damage. Explosions. Combustion. Determining the Point of Origin of a Fire. Arson for Profit. Electrical Shorting. Hail Damage. Drought and Its Effects. Lighting. Slip-and-Fall Accidents. Water Pipe Freeze-Ups. Principles of Machinery Guarding. The Engineer as Expert Witness. Reporting the Results of Investigative Engineering. Index.

    Biography

    Randall K. Noon