bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic Failures In Machine Controls
Authors: Brugger Richard D.
Published: August 2021

This Paper Discusses Some Subtleties Of Machine Control Failures, As Affected By External Influences Such As Noise Or Deficiencies That Make The Particular Electronic Control System Behave Unreliably At Some Times Or Periodically Do Something That Is Unexpected. It Does Not Deal With Faulty Logic Or Catastrophic Failures Where Something Is Logically Flawed From Inception Or Bums Up Or Melts Down Into A Glob Of Epoxy, Silicon, And Wires. Electronic Controls Are Wonderful Because Of Their Speed, Accuracy, And Economy To Implement Complex Control Functions Inexpensively. On The Other Hand, There Are Failure Modes In Electronic Controls Which Result From Corruption By Low Voltages, Small Current Levels, And Sensitivity To Frequency Components That Would Not Have Aggravated Equipment Of An Older Vintage.
Americans With Disabilities Act and Its Effects On Legal Cases
Authors: Hintersteiner Robert T.
Published: August 2021

This Paper Will Discuss The Americans With Disabilities Act (Ada) Regulations, Problems Of Compliance, And Liabilities. Since The Passage Of The Americans With Disabilities Act (Ada) Of 1990, The Transit Industry Has Faced Numerous Legal Cases Concerning Compliance With Ada Regulations By Transit Operators, Violation Of An Individuals Civil Rights, And Liability Issues. The Federal Transit Administration (Fta) Has Required That Each Transit Operator Be In Compliance By January 26, 1997, And That Each Agency Sign A Voluntary Compliance Agreement Stating That It Will Be In Full Compliance By 2020.2 Under The Ada Law, The United States Department Of Transportation (Usdot) Is Required To Enforce The Regulations, Which Also Includes The Enforcement Power To Have All Transit Operators (Agencies) Comply With The Civil Rights Act Of 1964, And The Rehabilitation Act Of 1973. The Ada Regulations Require That All Transit Routes Be Accessible To The Disabled By January 26, 1997. If They Cannot, Then They Are Required To Provide A Paratransit Operation Until They Meet Full Compliance. In 1993, The Usdot Finalized And Published The Ada For Paratransit Eligibility Manual, September 1993 (Dot-T-93-17), Which Determined Compliance Regulations For The Transit Industry Regarding Providing Paratransit Operations To Eligible Passengers. These Laws And Regulations Have Created The Following Types Of Legal Cases: Voluntary Compliance Of Each Transit Agency Violations Of An Individuals Civil Rights Accident Liability
New Approaches For Analyzing Hot Water & Other Systems
Authors: Saltzberg Edward W.
Published: August 2021

Historically, Analyzing A Hot Water System To Establish Why A System May Run Out Of Hot Water, Why Temperature Fluctuations Occur In Showers, And How Long Are The Delays In Getting Hot Water To Fixtures, Was A Time-Consuming And Kind Of A Hit And Miss Operation. These Tasks Encompassed Having Service Personnel Review The Operation Of The Water Heater, Do Calculations To See That The Water Heater Was The Proper Size, Ascertain What The Physical Configuration Of The Hot Water System Was, And The Lengths Of Various Piping Segments, And Lastly, Take Temperature Readings At Various Locations And Times Throughout The System. Some Of This Data Could Be Obtained With Continuous Temperature Monitoring Equipment, But It Was Very Laborious And The Continuous Chart Recorders Generated Temperature Printout Charts At The Rate Of Two Inches Per Hour, Which Meant Quite A Long Chart For Each Test. Furthermore, The Temperature Readings At Times Could Be Extremely Confusing, As They Overlapped, And It Was Difficult To Find The Maximum And Minimum Points And Discover Repetitive Patterns On The Long Charts.
Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Accidents - The Problems
Authors: Hintersteiner Robert T.
Published: August 2021

The Paper Will Address The Crisis Of Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Accidents In The United States. A Railroad-Highway Grade Crossing Is Where A Public Or Private Roadway Crosses Railroad Tracks. Over The Years, There Have Been Many Studies And Programs To Warn The General Public Of The Hazards Of Crossing Railroad Tracks. However, The Same Types Of Railroad-Highway Crossing Accidents Continue To Occur, Despite Attempts To Educate The Public. As Will Be Discussed, Communication Between Transportation Professionals And Coordination Of Railroad And Highway Operations Also Contributes To The Crisis. The Most Effective Way To Eliminate Grade Crossing Accidents Is To Provide Grade Separation Of The Railroad From Vehicle And Pedestrian Traffic. This Has Been Completed At 39,68 1 Locations. It Is A Very Expensive Proposition. Therefore, It Has Been Done Only In Urban Areas, And Along Limited Access Highways And Arterials. The Cost Of Constructing A Grade Separated Crossing Is Estimated To Be Five Million Dollars Per Location.
Master Cylinder Performance With And Without Vacuum
Authors: Hicks Joel T.
Published: August 2021

A Late Model Ford Bronco Left The Road In A Curve And Wound Up In Trees. Its Driver Insisted That The Brakes Shuddered, Which Caused Lost Of Control. The Truck Was Inspected In The Field By Insurance Representatives And A Mechanic. They Found Nothing That Would Cause The Brakes To Behave As Described, So The Master Cylinder And Vacuum Booster Were Removed For Possible Further Inspection. After The Vehicle Had Been Destroyed, The Client Wanted A Bench Test Of The Master Cylinder. Nothing Was Found In The Bench Test To Explain The Vehicle Behavior Described, But This Paper Will Provide Some Of The Performance Test Results For Your Benefit.
The Use Of Edsmac To Simulate Bicycle And Motor Vehicle Collisions
Authors: Green James M.
Published: August 2021

The Purpose Of This Paper Is To Enable Licensed Users Of The Edsmac Program To Understand How To Simulate Motor Vehicle And Bicycle Collisions. Edsmac Is The Engineering Dynamics Corporation Simulation Model Of Automobile Collisions. The Model Basically Simulates Vehicle Dynamics At Impact And Velocity Change As A Result Of Impact. The Use Of This Collision Model Will Not Be Explained In This Paper Since That Is A Function Of Obtaining The License And Taking The Necessary Classes. This Program Is The Model That Is Commonly Accepted In Court And By Forensic Engineers As Being Authoritative. Therefore, Rewriting The Input Language To Include Collisions With Bicycles Would Be Helpful In Reconstructing These Types Of Accidents. Field Verification Of These Input Values Has Been Accomplished. These Data Are Provided And The Limitations Of The Use Of Edsmac In These Types Of Collisions Are Given. Also, An Actual Edsmac Computer Run Is Provided As The Forensic Engineer Can Visualize The Actual Inputs Needed For These Types Of Reconstructions.
Median Barriers - Are They Needed When They Are Optional?
Authors: Kravitz Michael
Published: August 2021

On February 16, 1993, The Driver Of A 1985 Mercury Two-Door Sedan Was Driving Eastbound On The Bear Mountain Parkway In Westchester County, New York. The Parkway Has Two Lanes In Each Direction With No Median Or Median Barrier Separating Opposing Traffic. Driving Conditions Were Poor Because Of A Beginning Snowstorm. Approaching A Curve To The Right And Downward Grade, The Eastbound Mercury Slid Over The Solid Double Yellow Line And Stopped In The Westbound Driving Lane. Moments Later A Cadillac, Driving Westbound, Unable To Negotiate The Curve To The Left, Or Stop, Collided Head On With The Mercury. As A Result Of The Collision The Driver Of The Mercury, Plaintiff In This Case, Was Rendered A Paraplegic. The Case Was Presented In The Court Of Claims Of The State Of New York In May 1997. The Basis For The Plaintiffs Argument Was: If There Had Been A Concrete Barrier Installed Along The Centerline Of The Roadway The Errant Mercury Would Have Been Deflected Back Into The Eastbound Lane And Would Not Have Crossed Over Into Oncoming Traffic. The Plaintiff Sued The State Of New York.
The Reconstruction Of Eastern Kentucky Rear Coal Truck Crashes
Authors: Crawford Roy J.
Published: August 2021

This Paper Proposes A Method For Reconstructing A Certain Type Of Collinear, Front-To-Rear Vehicle Crash, Eastern Kentucky Single-Unit Coal Truck Underrides. The Crashes Discussed Are Those In Which A Following Vehicle Gains Rapidly From A Long Initial Distance On A Leading Slowly Moving Vehicle That Is Not Sufficiently Conspicuous For Crash Avoidance. The Results Of These Analyses Provide Insight Into The Details Of What Occurs In These Types Of Crashes, Show That Inattention And/Or Speeding By The Victims Are Not Necessarily Causes Of The Crashes, And Can Support Or Refute Independent Human Factors Evidence.
Forensic Engineering Use Of Graphics To Analyze & Reconstruct A Ladder Accident
Authors: Curtis Ross
Published: August 2021

Plaintiff Fell From A Ladder In June, 1994. In 1997 He Filed Suit Against The Manufacturers Of The Ladder And Ladder Levelers Which Had Been Attached To The Ladder. Upon Visiting The Accident Site In April 1998, It Was Found That Site Conditions Had Changed. Careful Inspection, An Interview Of The Homeowner And Graphical Analysis Of The Site And Ladder Set-Up Enabled The Author To Determine What Had Actually Happened And To Prepare The Case For Litigation.
Forensic Analysis For Headlights On Or Off?
Authors: Yaxley Wilbur T.
Published: August 2021

My Presentation Will Outline The Procedures That May Be Used To Determine Whether A Vehicle Had Its Lights On Or Off At The Time Of The Accident. Usually The Tow Truck Operator Will Be Required To Remove Debris Deposited On The Road By The Accident Vehicles. Often Some Of This Debris Will Be Crucial In Determining The Condition Of The Lights At Impact. Each Accident Will Be Different But Certain Predictable Results Will Often Be Evident In The Debris Left By The Accident. We Will Use A Combination Of Predictable Results From Forces On The Lamp And Wiring, Caused By The Accident, To Determine Whether The Lights Were On Or Off.
Case Study - Engineering Inaccuracies In A Police Department Investigation Of A Fatal Accident
Authors: Greene Leonard A.
Published: August 2021

By Their Very Nature, Highway Fatalities Attract Public Attention. In The Aftermath, Law Enforcement Officials Are Under Pressure To Find The Cause Or Culprit. And By Their Very Nature, These Officials Have A Bias Towards Finding A Responsible Party. The Worse The Accident, The More The Pressure To Resolve The Case; Especially If Alcohol Is Involved. Alcohol Related Highway Fatalities Inherently Produce Pressure To Rush To Judgment, Creating A Great Risk Of Violating The Rights Of Innocent Parties. In The Following Accident, A Surviving Sister Was Charged With The Deaths Of Her Two Siblings. This Author Acted As The Expert For Her Defense In A Jury Trial.
Proximity Warning Devices In Defect Claims Against Lifting And Loading Equipment
Authors: Morgan J. Derald
Published: August 2021

For Over 25 Years There Has Been The Claim That A Piece Of Lift Loading Equipment Was Defective Because Of The Failure Of The Manufacturer To Install A Proximity Warning Device (Pwd). Recently The Claims Of Defect For Failure To Incorporate A Proximity Warning Device Have Been Expanded To Cover Additional Types Of Equipment And To Incorporate Claims Of New Uses For A Device That Is Effectively The Same Over This 25-Year Period, The Authors Will Detail The Development Of The Claims Of Defect, The Development Of The Details Used In The Evaluation Of The Claims Of Defect And The Approach Used In The Defense Of The Product That Is Claimed To Be Defective Without The Installation Of The Proximity Warning Device. They Will In This Report Further Detail The Test Program That Became A Part Of The Development Of Data For A Concrete Placing Pump Product Liability Defense.
Disclosure In Real Estate Sales - Forensic Engineering Experience
Authors: Cooper Norman L.
Published: August 2021

Disclosure Of Defects By Sellers Of Real Estate And Disclosure Of Qualifications By Home Inspector Are Important Consumer Law In Several States. When These Disclosures Are Ignored Or Incomplete, Sellers, Buyers, And Inspectors Can Suffer Large Losses. This Is Demonstrated In A Recent Forensic Engineering Case. Realtors Need To Educate Sellers And Buyers On Disclosure Requirements, Should Not Recommend Nor Regulate Inspectors Because Of Conflict Of Interest, But Should Recommend Hiring Qualified State Licensed Professional Engineers.
Forensic Engineering Review Of An Overhead Power Line Breakage Failure
Authors: Nabours Robert E.
Published: August 2021

Overhead Power Lines Occasionally Fail (Break) And Fall To The Ground Where They Can Be A Significant Danger. The Causes For Line Failure Are Many And Represent A Safety Concern Recognized By The National Electrical Safety Code (Nesc) And The Electrical Utilities. When An Overhead Line Breaks Without An Apparent Stressing Factor Such As Extreme Weather Forces Or A Vehicular Collision With A Power Pole, A Forensic Engineer May Be Called Upon To Determine The Cause For Failure. Consideration Of The Fact And Physical Evidence Available Can Lead Through The Application Of Electrical And Materials Science To A Plausible Explanation For A Seemingly Inexplicable Failure. An Occurrence Of An Overhead Line Failure Is Used To Illustrate The Forensic Engineering Process.
University Education In Forensic Engineering
Authors: DeWitt William E.
Published: August 2021

In April 1997, The President Of The National Academy Of Forensic Engineers (Nafe) Appointed The Nafe Forensic Engineering Curriculum Committee. The Committee Was Charged With Developing Guidelines For University Courses In Forensic Engineering. The Final Report Of The Committee Was - Approved By The Nafe Board Of Directors In January 2000. The Report Presented A Complete Master Of Science Curriculum In Forensic Engineering. This Paper Will Summarize The Results Of The Nafe Report. The Complete Curriculum, Which Includes Detailed Course Descriptions And Course Outlines In Abet Format, Is Published In The 2001 Frontiers In Education Conference Proceedings. Abet Is The Accreditation Board For Engineering And Technology, Inc.
Forensic Engineering Investigation Of A Cruise Ship Fire
Authors: Shefchick Thomas P.
Published: August 2021

Each Year There Are Approximately 50 Major Fires Aboard Ships, Which Result In Financial Loss, Personal Injury And Death. Financial Loss At Sea Instigated The Formation Of Insurance Companies Such As Lloyds Of London, Which Now Provide Fire Insurance For Most Assets. Over A Nine-Year Period From 1977 To 1986, The Liverpool Underwriters Association Reported That 33 Percent Of The Fires Originated In Machinery Spaces, 3.6 Percent Originated In Electrical Installations And 0.5 Percent Originated In Stores. Between 1991 And 1993, 54 Percent Of The Fires Originated In Engine Rooms. The Engine Room Fires Were Often Initiated By An Explosion Or The Result From An Uncontrolled Release Of Flammable Vapors Or Fuel Into The Engine Room. 40 Percent Of All Fires In Engine Rooms Are Extinguished Using Portable Appliances While 18 Percent Are Extinguished By Fixed Carbon Dioxide Systems. Portable Appliances Are Most Effective In The First 15 Minutes And Carbon Dioxide In The First 30 Minutes...A Case Study Of The Investigation Of A Fatal Passenger Cruise Ship Fire Will Be Utilized To Show How The Burn Patterns Differ, How To Determine A Fires Area Of Origin And Possible Causes Of The Fire.
Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Building Codes And Staircase Accidents
Authors: Kravitz Michael
Published: August 2021

This Paper Will Discuss The Importance Of Determining The History Of A Building Where A Mishap Occurred On Either An Interior Or Exterior Staircase. The Writers Experience Is Primarily In The City Of New York, However, The Research And Types Of Laws Cited In This Paper Can Be Used As A Guide In The Research Of All Cities, Especially Older Cities Such As Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, Charleston, Atlanta, New Orleans, San Francisco, Etc. Researching A Buildings History Is The Primary Task Of The Forensic Engineer Whether He Is Preparing A Case For Either The Plaintiff Or Defense. Citing The Correct Codes Will Insure That His Opinion Will Be Accepted By The Court. It Must Be Understood That The Owner Of A Building Is Responsible To Maintain His/Her Building To The Codes To Which It Was Built Unless A Directive Was Issued By The Building Department To The Contrary, Or A Directive That Required The Owner To Comply With Current Codes.
F.E. Resource- Dynamic Testing For Vehicle Rollover Threshold Using Programmable Steering Machine And Zero Roll Rate Feedback
Authors: Marcosky John
Published: August 2021

A Single Vehicle Accident Of A Sport Utility Vehicle Is Be Used To Describe A Typical Accident Avoidance Maneuver And Subsequent On-Road Non Trip Rollover. An Additional Objective Was To Examine Vehicle Dynamic Rollover Stability. Circumstances Of The Event Will Be Reviewed Including Results Of The Reconstruction. Test Methodology Used To Determine A Dynamic Vehicle Rollover Threshold On A Paved Road Surface Will Be Presented.
Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Total Reaction Time
Authors: Green James M.
Published: August 2021

This Paper Develops A Method For Determining A Meaningful Reaction Time In Accident Reconstruction And Civil Engineering Design. A Method For Total Perception Time (Tpt) Is Explained Using Literature From The Professions Of Psychology, Optometry And Engineering. A Determination Of Total Perception Time (Tpt), Or Total Perception Distance (Tpd), Is Given Where The Engineer Allows Enough Time For The Actual Stimulus To Be Identified Before Determining If Evasive Action Can Be Taken Or Collision Can Be Avoided. The Use Of Tpt Can Be Calculated In Accident Reconstruction And Engineering Design By Using The Actual Environmental Conditions That Were Present At The Site Under Investigation. The Purpose Of Presenting This Analysis Is To Establish A Starting Point For Discussion And Evaluation Of Total Perception Time (Tpt) Or Total Perception Distance (Tpd). The Reaction Time Sequence Affects Every Facet Of Forensic Engineering And Civil Engineering Design. It Is The Writers Intent That A Definition Of This Methodology Can Be Developed In Order That The Engineering Community Will Have A Tool That Is Accepted.
Forensic Engineering Investigations Of Gas-Fueled Appliance Fires And Explosions
Authors: Leane Joseph G.
Published: August 2021

Fuel Gas Escaping From An Appliance Can Be Easily Ignited And Cause An Explosion And Fire. Open Flames Or Hot Surfaces At Main Or Pilot Burners Of Gas-Fueled Appliances Can Ignite Fugitive Fuel Gases, Flammable Vapors And Airborne Flammable Dust. Overheated Gas-Fueled Appliances, Or Improperly Installed Gas-Fueled Appliances Or Vent Systems Can Cause Ignition Of Solid Fuel (Wooden Building Structure Or Improperly Stored Combustibles) Adjacent To The Appliances Or Vent Systems. Fugitive Fuel Gases, Gases That Have Escaped From Their Intended Confines And Into The Air, And Open Flames Of Gas-Fueled Appliances Can Be Both The Initial Fuel Source And Initial Ignition Source. The Purpose Of This Paper Is To Provide General Guidelines To The Forensic Engineer For Inspecting Residential Gas-Fueled Appliances Involved In Fires Or Explosions. Since Each Investigation Is Unique, The Engineer May Need To Deviate From These Guidelines. The Paper Also Provides Five Case Studies That Demonstrate The Application Of Those Guidelines.
Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Pedestrian Carry And Throw Distance
Authors: Hicks Joel T. , Michael Kravitz
Published: August 2021

There Have Been Many Papers Written And Published On The Subject Of Pedestrian Throw Distance With Automobiles. Many Of These Papers Can Be Obtained From The Society Of Automotive Engineers (Sae). Many Of The Papers Make Assumptions For The Takeoff Angle Of The Pedestrian. Some Of Those Authors Have Performed Tests Using Dummies Or Objects Dropped From Moving Vehicles In Order To Draw Correlations Between Their Formulae Or Equations And Real Life. Generally, Those Authors State How The Formulae Should Be Used, And Specify That If The Pedestrian Mounts The Vehicle, The Formula Is Not Valid. Despite The Disclaimers Of How And When To Use The Published Formulae, The Writer Has Noticed That Accident Reconstructionists Tend To Misuse The Formulae And Often Arrive At Speeds For An Impacting Vehicle Higher Than Can Be Justified By More Rigorous Analysis. This Occurs Because The Theories Behind The Formulae, Its Assumptions, And Its Application Are Not Known Or Are Not Understood Well. The Writer Has Found, In His Experience, That The Reconstruction Practioners Often Use The Distance From The First Impact With The Pedestrian To The Rest Position Of The Pedestrian As The Distance Factor In The Formulae Without Giving Thought As To Whether The Pedestrian Mounted The Vehicle Or Not.
Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Skylight Failures
Authors: George Edward S.
Published: August 2021

A Significant Number Of Occupational Fatalities Are A Direct Result Of Falls. A Large Percentage Of The Total Traumatic Occupational Fatalities Due To Falls Occur When Workers Fall Through Skylight Openings Or Smoke-Vent Skylights (Translucent Plastic Domes That Serve As Both Skylights And Automatic Smoke Vents In Case Of Fire) 1. This Paper Reviews Investigations Into Safety Issues Associated With The Introduction Of Plastics As A Cover For Architectural Roof Openings And Skylights.
Forensic Engineering Testing And Analysis Of The Fatigue Failure Of A Hose Clamp
Authors: Josephs Harold
Published: August 2021

Worm-Drive Band Clamps Or Hose Clamps Are Used Commonly Throughout Industry, Such As In Automotive Applications, To Provide A Reliable Seal Against Liquid Leakage Between A Flexible Hose And A Rigid Male Receiver. The Band Clamp Reliability Is Seldom Questioned And The Typical Engineering Concern Is With The Seal Quality Only. However The Current Investigation Shows That Fatigue Failure Modes Can Develop Under Normal And Foreseeable Conditions Of Use That Will Render A Band Clamp Defective. A Fatigue Failure Of A Band Clamp Would At First Seem Remote And Justifiably Neglected By The Design Engineer Due To The Apparent Lack Of High Cyclic Loads. However Analysis Of A Failed Band Clamp Utilized To Secure A Hose Between An Automotive Radiator And Water Pump Together With Testing For Maximum Strain In An Exemplar Band Clamp-Hose System Has Demonstrated That Fatigue Should Be Considered As Part Of The Initial Design Criteria. The High Clamping Load Capability Of The Band Clamp Together With Low Cyclic Variation In The Load Due To Road And Engine Vibrations Can Indeed Lead To A Fatigue Failure Of The Metal Band. The Fatigue Induced Band Clamp Failure In The Case Study Presented Plus The Testing And Analysis Performed On The Exemplar Clamp, Suggest That Long Term Reliability Of Band Clamps Subjected To Severe Service Conditions May Be Compromised Due To Fatigue Loading.
Forensic Engineering Determination Of The Angle Of Lean Of A Cycle-Rider System Negotiating A Turn
Authors: Green James M. , John Jacobson
Published: August 2021

For A Cyclist To Negotiate A Turn, They Must Lean The Bicycle To The Inside Of The Corner In Order To Balance The Centrifugal Force Associated With The Change In Velocity And The Gravitational Force From Gravity. The Vector Sum Of These Two Forces Will Be Directed Between The Center Of Gravity Of The Rider And The Contact Patch Of The Tire On The Road Surface. The Force On A Rider During A Turn Is Dependent Upon The Radius Of The Turn, And The Velocity Of Travel. The Lean Angle Of The Cyclist Is Determined By The Alignment Of The Centrifugal Force And The Riders Weight So As To Have The Gravitational And Inertial Forces Directed From The Center Of Mass Of The Rider To The Contact Patch Of The Tire On The Road. This Force Balance Gives The Basic Equations For The Turning Phenomena. The Analysis Then Gives The Relationship Of The Factors Of A Rider In A Turn As A Function Of Speed, Radius Of Curve And The Angle Of Lean. The Purpose Of The Analysis Is To Give The Forensic Engineer The Ability To Reconstruct The Limits Of The Turning Movement Of A Cyclist In An Accident Scenario.
Forensic Engineering Analysis And Test Protocols Of A Minimally Invasive Wood Test Device
Authors: Yaxley Wilbur T. , William C. Bracken
Published: August 2021

The Use Of Minimally Invasive Technology For Determining The Quantity And Relative Competency Of Structural Wood Material Not Easily Visible Can Be Very Useful For The Forensic Engineer. The Recorder Torsional Drill Probe Provides An Advancing Drill Bit Capable Of Recording The Torsional Resistance And Distance Advanced, From The Initial Surface, On A Graph Mounted On The Drill. The Relative Torsional Resistance Can Be Compared To Known Structural Wood Samples For An Idea Of The Type And/Or Competency Of The Wood Material Encountered. This Method Can Identify If The Correct Size, Number, And Relative Condition Of Individual Members Are Included Within The Wall. The Resulting Hole Can Be Easily Repaired On Most Finishes.
Forensic Engineering Analysis & Testing Of Wood Truss/Wall
Authors: Yaxley Wilbur T.
Published: August 2021

Calculations, Peer Review, Full Scale Truss System Tests, And Correlation Of Information Has Been Completed To Determine If A Wood Truss System Requires Shear Blocking At Typical Wall/Truss Bearing Connection.
Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Taillight Filaments By Digital Photomicroscopy
Authors: Flynn James E.
Published: August 2021

During The Analysis And Reconstruction Of An Automobile Accident, It Is Often Necessary For The Forensic Engineer To Examine The Headlights Or Taillights Of A Vehicle In An Attempt To Find Evidence Which Will Allow For A Determination Of Whether Or Not The Lights Were On And Operating At The Time Of The Collision. This Paper Describes The Use Of Digital Photomicroscopy For The Evaluation And Documentation Of Such Evidence.
Forensic Engineering Techniques For Testing And Predicting Lp-Gas Container Relief Venting
Authors: Petersen James A.
Published: August 2021

When An Lp-Gas Container Is Involved In A Fire, Flammable Gas Is Usually Vented From The Relief Valve. One Of The First Questions Is Whether The Container Vented The Gas That Caused The Fire Or Whether Gas Was Vented Due To The Fire Heating The Container. If The Relief Valve Vents Gas That Initiates The Fire, It Is Usually Due To An Overfilled Container. This Paper Discusses; 1) The Prediction Of The Rate Of Container Warming Due To Normal Temperature Changes, 2) The Resulting Pressure Changes Of The Liquefied Gas, 3) The Reaction Of The Pressure Relief Valve And The Quantity Of Lp-Gas Vented During The Operation Of The Relief Valve, 4) Designing The Experiment And 4) Adjusting The Model To Reflect Test Data.
Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Falling Merchandise In A Retail Warehouse
Authors: Yaxley Wilbur T. , Jeffrey D. Armstrong
Published: August 2021

This Paper Discusses A Forensic Engineering Approach To The Analysis Of Falling Merchandise Incidents In Retail Warehouses. A Discussion Of The Engineering And Safety Analysis Of Two Personal Injury Incidents Caused By Falling Merchandise Is Included. The First Incident Involves A Fork-Lift Pallet That Held A Stack Of Lounge Chairs, Which Fell From An Overhead Shelf, Striking A Customer. The Stack Of Lounge Chairs Was An Irregular Shape That Was Longer And Narrower Than The Pallet. The Chairs Were Held Together With Stretch Wrap And Attached To The Pallet With x-Bracing Using Cords Made Of Twisted Stretch Wrap. The Placement Of The Pallet In The Overhead Shelf, The Attachment Of The Chairs To The Pallet, And Various Safety Policies And Procedures Are Analyzed. Various Analyses To Determine The Properties Of Stretch Wrap Were Performed. A Scale Model Was Constructed To Assist With The Analysis. The Second Incident Involves A Rack Of Vertically Stacked Lumber That Fell Forward Striking A Customer After He Had Removed One Or Two Boards From The Rack And Placed Them On A Cart. The Boards, The Stacking System, And The Restraint System Are Analyzed. A Video Re-Enactment Was Prepared To Illustrate How The Boards Fell.
Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Pedestrian Trauma Using Biomedical And Accident Reconstruction Engineering Methods
Authors: Liptai Laura L. , Rowland D. Lamb
Published: August 2021

This Study Examines The Theory And Methods Of Forensic Engineering Analysis Applied To Pedestrian Trauma And Fatality. Optimally Approached With The Collective Analysis Of Both The Accident Reconstruction Engineer And Biomedical Engineer, The Accident Reconstruction Engineer Translates The Physical Evidence Related To The Vehicle And Scene While The Biomedical Engineer Interprets The Physical Evidence Related To The Human Body In The Biological Tissues. With Both Disciplines, A Collaborative Understanding Can Be Gained Using The Vehicular And Human Tissue Physical Evidence Available. The Case Presented Involves A Pedestrian Verses An Automobile. The Collision Between A Pedestrian And Automobile Resulted In The Death Of The Pedestrian. Physical Evidence On The Vehicle Included: A Dent In The Front Right Fender; A Spider Web Glass Fracture Pattern On The Windshield In The Lower Right Comer; And A Dent In The Right A-Pillar. This Study Will Also Demonstrate What Can Be Learned From The Absence Of Classic Physical Evidence On The Vehicle And On The Pedestrian As Well As The Determination Of When A Kinematic Study Is Appropriate For Pedestrian Verses Automobile Investigation.
Forensic Engineering Investigations Of Welding Code Compliance
Authors: Grantham Jesse A.
Published: August 2021

During Construction Of A Large Building With Tilt-Up Concrete Walls, The Final Reinforced Concrete Wall Panel Fell Over Unexpectedly. This Accident Caused The Death Of Laborers Working At Ground Level Beside The Panel, Outside The Building, The Forensic Engineering (Fe) Investigation Involved Assessments Concerning Negligence And Wrongful Death By The Actions Of The General Contractor And Related Sub-Contractors. Several Aspects Of The Fe Reviews Included The Following: Examination Of The Building Permit For Welding Code Compliance; Field Welding Inspection Reports By The Independent Testing Agency; Welding Subcontractor Welding Procedure Documents; Welder Performance Certifications And Currency; Employers Osha Training About Hazard Determinations And Unsafe Conditions; And Contract Compliance For Removal Of Temporary Wall Braces.
Forensic Engineers Qualifications Subject To Judicial Review
Authors: Sampsel Michael M.
Published: August 2021

The Underlying Case Involved A Fall On A Sailboat Ladder. A Professional Photographer Was Hired To Film An Insurance Adjusters Association In Between Meetings Mock Regatta On San Diego Bay. During The Event Involving Rental Sailboats, The Photographer Fell When The Ladder Leading To The Below Deck Cabin Failed. The Author Served As The Photographers Expert. The Defense Filed Numerous Motions Including A Challenge To Plaintiffs Expert. This Paper Contains The Federal Judges Response In Denying Those Motions. In His Analysis, The Judge Referenced Both Daubert And Kumho Tire.
Forensic Engineering Data Collection For Stairway Incidents
Authors: Yaxley Wilbur T. , Jeffrey D. Armstrong
Published: August 2021

Forensic Engineers Are Often Called Upon To Investigate Injury Events On Stairs. A Significant Number Of Injuries And Deaths Occur On Stairways. With A Background In Design, Construction, And Building Codes, Forensic Engineers Can Identify The Appropriate Codes With Which The Stairs Might Be Required To Comply, Can Determine Whether Deficiencies Exist And To What Extent, And Whether Deficiencies Are Related To The Design Or The Construction Of The Facility. Data Collection On Stairways Can Be Difficult And Tedious. Measurements Of Tread Depths And Riser Heights Must Be Measured With Precision To Compare With Allowable Tolerances. This Paper Presents Various Means Of Collecting Data Related To Stairways, Including Documentation Of Tread Depth, Riser Height, Tread Slope, Nosing, Handrails, And Headroom Clearances. The Paper Will Also Introduce A Device That Was Developed And Validated By The Authors For Measuring Treads And Risers. This Paper Focuses Only On Data Collection Methodologies, And Does Not Present Analyses Or Render Opinions With Regard To Building Code Requirements. The Building Code Requirements That Are Presented Herein Are Only For The Purpose Of Illustrating Typical Code Requirements, To Illustrate Why Various Data Must Be Collected, And To Review Proper Methods Of Data Collection.
Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Excessive Iron Corrosion In A Class Of Automobile Engines
Authors: Leshner Michael D.
Published: August 2021

Automotive Engine Coolants Are Formulated To Raise The Boiling Point, Suppress The Freezing Point And Protect The Engine Cooling Passages And Other Cooling System Materials From Corrosion. Shortly After Introducing A New Coolant Formulation Across All Models, A Major Auto Manufacturer Began Receiving Reports Of A Rusty Sludge Material Fouling The Cooling Systems In One Truck Model Line Using One Particular Engine. The Same Model With A Different Engine Did Not Experience The Problem, Nor Did Different Models Using The Same Engine. Many Customers Who Owned The Affected Models Experienced Clogged Heaters, Fouled Radiators, Overheating, And In Some Cases, Engine Damage. A Class-Action Lawsuit Was Initiated, Leading To A Forensic Engineering Investigation, With The Objective Of Determining The Actual Root Cause Of Excessive Corrosion. The Class Included Several Hundred Thousand Potential Plaintiffs And Was Represented By Thirty Five Law Firms. This Paper Will Discuss The Analysis And Testing Performed By The Auto Manufacturer, Coolant Supplier And This Investigator. In This Particular Product Defect Case, A Class Action Was Appropriate Because A Large Group Of Plaintiffs Each Suffered A Relatively Small Individual Economic Loss.
Forensic Engineering Geotechnical Analysis Of Florida Sinkholes
Authors: Saxena D.S. Sax
Published: August 2021

Sinkholes And Forensic Geo-Technical Engineering Are Synonymous In Florida. Since These Sinkhole Activity Related Investigations Are Generally Commissioned By Property Owners, Legal Professionals, Insurance Companies, Or Public Adjusters And Because Of The Extensive Liability Exposure They Command It Is Necessary That They Be Thorough, Detailed, And Conclusive Within The Context Of The Mandated Protocol They Are Performed. These Retrospective Investigations Seek To Explain, What Happened? And Why Did It Happen?, Rather Than To Predict Future Performance. Of Course, These Are Often Followed By, How Can It Be Fixed? And All Too Often, Whose Fault Is It? And Who Is Going To Pay?. Technological Advances And Sophistication In Detection, Mitigation, And Repair Methodologies Of Karstic Sinkholes Require That Professionals Involved In These Specialties Continually Upgrade Their Knowledge. A Case Study Is Considered Where Updated And Current Methods Were Used To Detect, Mitigate, And Repair Karstic Sinkhole Condition. Additionally, A Proactive Value Engineering Approach Was Instrumental In Eliminating Any Unnecessary Project Delay Claim Investigation And Assisted In An Early Resolution Of The Matter For The Owner/Developer.
Forensic Engineering Testimony In An Oil And Gas Patent Case
Authors: Hietpas Gerald J.
Published: August 2021

This Paper Covers Basics For A Forensic Engineer Interested In Learning How To Work On Patent Cases. It Assumes The Reader Is Familiar With Other Forensic Work Such As Serving As An Expert On A Civil Case. It Discusses A Specific Intellectual Property Case From The Experts Point Of View, And The Associated Patent Research. It Explains How A Patent Is Organized, And How To Find Patents Of Interest. It Covers The Basics Of Patent Law That An Expert Must Deal With. And It Gives References For Additional Information.
Forensic Engineering Analyses Of The Potential For Hydrogen Gas Ignition While Charging Golf Car Batteries
Authors: Owens Roger L.
Published: August 2021

After An Early Morning Fire Occurred In A Golf Car Storage Facility The Plaintiffs Experts Opined That The Fire Occurred As A Result Of The Ignition Of Liberated Hydrogen Gas Which Was Generated During The Charging Process. During The Course Of Their Investigation The Plaintiffs Elected To Preserve Only Two Of The Golf Cars And Four Of The Chargers Without Any Documentation As To Which If Any Of The Chargers Were Plugged Into The Two Golf Cars. The Fire Scene Was Not Made Available To The Defendants And The Scene Was Only Marginally Documented Via Photographs. Due To The Destruction And Lack Of Documentation Of The Fire Scene It Was Impossible For The Defendants To Determine The True Fire Origin Area And The Actual Cause Of The Fire. Further, The Environment Surrounding The Golf Cars Was Static And The Potential Ignition Sources Were Not Documented During The On Scene Investigation By The Plaintiffs. The Defendants Elected To Defend The Case By Demonstrating The Difficulty Of Liberating Free Hydrogen From Golf Car Batteries Such As To Accumulate Hydrogen In The Explosive Range.
Commentary On Children Falling Through Windows/Guardrails Commentary Prepared By Jeffrey D. Armstrong P.E. (Nafe 644s)
Authors: Armstrong Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2021

Commentary On Children Falling Through Windows/Guardrails Commentary Prepared By Jeffrey D. Armstrong, P.E. (Nafe 644s) Having Read And Reviewed The Referenced Technical Paper In The Most Recent Edition Of The Journal Of The National Academy Of Forensic Engineers (He Journal, I Respectfully Submit The Following Commentary. The Referenced Paper Cites The Following Two Previously Published Papers By The Same Author As Support For Many Of Opinions: 1. Cooper, Norm. Orensic Engineering Report: Causes Of Mold In Buildings.Journal Of The National Academy Of Forensic Engineers. Volume xxiii, Number 1. June 2006. 2. Cooper, Norm. Orensic Engineering Investigations Of Guards, Handrails, And Stairs.Journal Of The National Academy Of Forensic Engineers. Volume xxi, Number 1. June 2004. While This Commentary Specifically Addresses The Paper Hildren Falling Through Windows / Guardrails,Many Of The Issues Discussed In This Commentary Are Common To All Three Papers. All Three Papers Include The Author Interpretations Of Current Building Codes, And It Is With Respect To Those Interpretations That I Offer This Commentary.
Forensic Engineering Experience With purported Electric Shocks
Authors: Boyell Roger L.
Published: August 2021

This Paper Summarizes The Author Investigations Into 12 Different Complaints Of Electrical Contactausing Bodily Injury Or Death. Numerous Photographs Are Provided For Clarification. The 12 Scenariosange From Obvious To Unforeseeable, And From Expected To Impossible.
Forensic Engineering Examination of 11 Foot Diameter Sanitary Sewer
Authors: Yaxley Wilbur T.
Published: August 2021

An 11 Foot Diameter Sanitary Sewer Settled And Collapsed Leaving 7 Homes Damaged On The South Sidef 15 Mile Road In Sterling Heights, (North Detroit) Michigan. The Sewer Was 60 Feet Below The Groundurface, And Had Settled And Lost Overburden Material For Several Years Prior To The Major 2004 Collapse.He Main Depression Was 130 Feet Wide And 245 Feet Long With A Depth Of 30 Feet. The Sudden Collapsef The Surface Portion Was Over 10,000 Tons And Dropped Approximately 30 Feet. The Resulting Initialollapse Vibration Exceeded The Re-Construction Vibration And Was The Cause Of Ongoing Visible Damageo The 7 Homes Along The South Side Of The Roadway.
Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Bicycle Versus Pickup Collision
Authors: Ogden Jerry S.
Published: August 2021

The Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Bicycle-Vehicle Incidents Presents Its Own Unique Set Of Challenges. Often, The Forensic Engineer Is Faced With A Limited Data Set For Determining Vehicle Impact Speed From The Physical Evidence Produced By A Bicycle Collision With An Automobile, Which May Not Be Of Issue For A Vehicle-To-Vehicle Collision At Similar Speeds. This Paper Analyzes A Collision Between A Light Duty Pickup Pulling A Tandem Axle Utility Trailer And A Bicycle Ridden By A Minor Child. There Were Allegations That The Pickup Was Traveling At A High Speed Above The Speed Limit, As Well As Passing Another Vehicle At The Time Of The Incident. In Order To Accurately And Dependably Determine The Speed Of The Ford F350 Pickup Involved In This Incident Event, This Forensic Engineer Elected To Recreate The Vehicle Locked Wheel Skidding Evidence That Was Produced During The Incident Event And Photographically Recorded By Police Investigators. The Dynamic Skid Testing Technique, Test Equipment, And General Test Procedures Used To Accurately Determine Vehicle Speeds For This Incident Event, And How It Can Be Applied To Similar Collision Events Are Discussed In This Paper
Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Tree Root Intrusion
Authors: Swanson Paul G.
Published: August 2021

A Forensic Investigation Involving Non-Destructive Techniques Was Used To Demonstrate The Cause Of Retaining Wall Damage. Roots From A Large Tree Had Caused Damage To A Retaining Wall And A Sanitary Sewer Line In A Townhome Complex. The Resulting Dispute Between Neighbors Changed A 68-Year-Old Precedent In State Law.
Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Warehouse Freezer Subfloor Heating System Failure And Repair
Authors: Aberizk David K.
Published: August 2021

This Study Examines The Theory And Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Multiple Freezer Sub-Floor Heating Systems, The Accidental Event That Lead To Failure Of Each, An Analytical Model To Determine The Viability Of A Corrective Action Approach, Those Results, The Ensuing Successful Repair, And The Resulting Legal Complaint.He Case Presented Involves A Food Distribution Warehouse Facility Operation Located In Massachusetts Which Utilized A Resistance Heating Element Sub-Floor Heating System In The Building 65 Foot By 130 Foot Freezer Section (Freezer Height 40 Feet). Resistance Heat Was Used To Precisely Control The Freezer Sub-Floor To A Temperature Of 34?F. This Level Of Control Allowed The Freezer Floor Surface To Be Kept As Cold As Possible, While At The Same Time, Keeping The Sub-Floor Above Freezing So That Disruptive Frost Wouldn Develop.An Incident Occurred In Which The Floor Heating System Was Damaged Beyond Repair And An Entirely New Heating System Was Installed. The New Heating System Experienced A Catastrophic Failure After A Few Months Of Operation, Resulting In Severe Damage To The Facility.
Investigation of Lawn Mowers for Litigation
Authors: Kelsey H. Boulter
Published: August 2021

In the history of mankind, society has developed numerous cutting machines to ease the burden of living on planet Earth. The rotary lawn mower is one of the most pervasive of these. The post World War I1 rotary lawn mower is a product which meets with great public acceptance. It is mass-produced and is used in virtually the entire United States. It represents one of the most powerful cutting machines in general use by the average home-owning citizen. As a result, lawn mowers create the potential for a significant number of injuries. According to the National Safety Council in 1987, lawn mowers were responsible for 57,019 injuries to their users or bystanders. A significant number of these injuries are sustained by children. These injuries result in a sizable number of lawsuits each year.
The Forensic Engineers Role in Eminent Domain Valuation Disputes
Authors: Coloney Wayne H.
Published: August 2021

It can be stated with assurance that the forensic engineer plays a vital and important role in Eminent Domain valuation disputes and that his services are of great value both to the tax paying public and to the individual property owner. Practice in Eminent Domain is constantly challenging, infinitely varied and substantially rewarding.
Investigation of Automotive Steering Related Accidents
Authors: Drouillard Alfred C.
Published: August 2021

This paper discusses some methods which have been successful in communicating with juries. Sample demonstrations made out-of-court are presented along with some legal requirements for their admission. A case which offers many opportunities to develop demonstrative evidence is used as an example. The sum of the demonstrations presented made up a composite whole, which told a complete, direct and simple set of facts understandable to the jury. Facts were provided for the jury to determine if the steering components failed and caused the accident, or if the failures occurred during and as a result of the accident sequence.
Computer Animation as a Forensic Engineering Tool
Authors: Bleyl Robert L.
Published: August 2021

Computer animation is a relatively new tool that enables the forensic engineer to graphically communicate some of the opinions emanating from investigation, analysis and reconstruction. Images of objects are created for display on the computer screen and then viewed in rapid succession, thereby giving the objects the appearance of motion. This paper reviews the unique advantages afforded by computer animation over other communication techniques. The process and the limitations involved in using the computer to animate motion and some of the key questions to be answered before planning and preparing a forensic computer animation are presented.
Forensic Engineering Practice In New Zealand
Authors: Jenkins Stephen C.
Published: August 2021

It is interesting to read of the controversy arising from the Quayle Report in the United States, and the proposals to limit or restrict the activities of expert witnesses and particularly forensic engineers. This move appears to mirror moves in the New Zealand court system, although these moves are being approached from a completely different view point and arise from a completely different legal environment. Forensic engineering h New Zealand is a much smaller field than in the United States. For many years New Zealand has restricted the right of individuals to sue for matters born accident and injury, and has instead operated a central, tax-funded, no-fault insurance plan. The structure of the Plan is currently under review, but it is likely that the right to sue will still be restricted.
Stairway Safety and Forensic Engineering
Authors: Biehl Francis W.
Published: August 2021

Stairway falls are one of the most common accidents. Falls of all types, including stairs, ladders, roof, walkway, etc. have been the most common cause of deaths in the home, and account for 15% of total accidents. Only vehicle accidents are more prevalent.
China is Fast Outpacing U.S. STEM PhD Growth
Authors:   Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Zwetsloot Remco , Corrigan Jack , Weinstein Emily , Peterson Dahlia , Gehlhaus Diana , Fedasiuk Ryan
Published: August 2021

Since the mid-2000s, China has consistently graduated more STEM PhDs than the United States, a key indicator of a country’s future competitiveness in STEM fields. This paper explores the data on STEM PhD graduation rates and projects their growth over the next five years, during which the gap between China and the United States is expected to increase significantly.