NCJ Number
156333
Date Published
1992
Length
183 pages
Annotation
This book provides guidelines on determining vehicle-fire causes, both accidental and deliberate.
Abstract
It is an updated and supplemented version of the original "Investigation of Motor Vehicle Fires," first published in 1980 and revised in 1985. This third edition is necessary because of the use of additional lightweight materials in cars and their trend toward downsizing since the mid-1970's. It takes into account new information on flammability, fire behavior, and investigation methods. The text begins with an overview of the parts of a vehicle most often involved in fires, including the engine, the fuel system, the electrical system, and the exhaust system. The next chapter provides guidelines for determining where and how a motor vehicle fire started. The main things to determine are the area of most intense burning and systems and materials within that area that will support ignition and sustain continued burning. Sections of this chapter focus on electrical fires in various types of vehicles, fuel system fires, emissions control and exhaust systems, automatic transmission and power steering fluids, turbo charger, friction, tires, smoldering material on upholstery, plastics, aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, safety glass, and ignition-key material. Other chapters address the determination of arson; special surveys and research; motorhomes, buses, trucks/tractors, and construction vehicles; explosions; and combustible temperatures. Glossary and a 39-item bibliography