NCJ Number
148723
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 3 Dated: (May 1994) Pages: 751-757
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article reviews some nondestructive methods used in industry and adapted for forensic use for testing for vehicle forgery by determining whether the vehicle being examined is actually made up of two halves of different vehicles that have been welded together.
Abstract
These methods were X-ray radiography, eddy current thickness measuring, and magnetic thickness measuring. The X-ray method is straightforward and can be used in a special examination room, in which the photographic film is placed on the underside of the part being examined. This method revealed nonoriginal welding seams in suspect vehicles. The eddy current thickness measurement involves using a test probe that generates a high-frequency electrical field. This method can measure the thickness of a coating. The magnetic method is useful for measuring the thickness of nonmagnetic coatings on ferromagnetic materials such as iron or steel. The magnetic method was used to examine five vehicles and made it possible to limit the damage to the vehicle by identifying areas with body filler used in repairs. Photographs, table, and 5 references