NCJ Number
156124
Date Published
1995
Length
286 pages
Annotation
This text discusses how forensic engineering applies to the determination of how fires and explosions occurred.
Abstract
The book assumes that the reader has studied science or engineering and is familiar with chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer, materials, general engineering science, and college- level mathematics. The introduction contains a definition and explanation of forensic engineering as it relates to fires and explosions. This is followed by a chapter on the basic concepts of thermochemistry; this includes combustion reactions, the conservation of mass and energy, heat capacity, the Ideal Gas Laws, stoichiometry, and constant pressure and constant volume conditions. A discussion of odorants and leak detection considers leak incidence rates, odorization as a safety precaution, and required odorization levels and odor recognition. A chapter on the determination of the point of origin of a fire discusses some burning and flame velocities, and some basic heat transfer theory is introduced. Other chapters focus on electrical shorting, explosions, determination of the point of origin of an explosion, arson, and automotive fires. A fire and explosion case study and study problems are discussed as well. A 40-item bibliography and a subject index