Automotive Fire Analysis: An Engineering Approach | 
 enlarge | Author: Gregory J. Barnett
Publisher: Lawyers & Judges Publishing
Category: Book
Buy New: $45.00
New (2) from $45.00
Avg. Customer Rating:  1 reviews
Sales Rank: 1360695
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 137
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.4
ISBN: 1930056877
Dewey Decimal Number: 629.231
EAN: 9781930056879
ASIN: 1930056877
Publication Date: April 10, 2004
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
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| Editorial Reviews:
Book Description
The data on motor vehicle fires are misleading and most certainly underreported. The number of collision and non-collision motor vehicle fire deaths quoted in national statistics varies widely - anywhere from 300 to over 1,000 annually, depending on the data source. But more than 385,000 vehicle fires have been reported in the US each year and these numbers reported by national data sources are most certainly low and not representative of the true picture. Data involving post crash vehicle fires has historically been involved in litigation and therefore is difficult to obtain. As auto makers increasingly build more fuel efficient, lighter cars - replacing metal parts with more easily ignited plastic - the nature, incidence and severity of collision and non-crash auto fires is likely to worsen. Major manufacturers have historically been reluctant to release information for fear of ongoing litigation. In Automotive Fire Analysis: An Engineering Approach, experienced field engineer Gregory Barnett points out the common problems with the way automotive fires are investigated. Mr. Barnett has compiled the research undertaken to date by manufacturers, standards organizations and private institutions into one compact guide. You will be guided through the proper techniques of fire analysis, including what to look for when investigating arson, how to tell the difference between flame-resistant plastics and the plastics that look identical but are flammable, what types of flammable liquids are in cars, how they burn, and much more. Additional topics include • Codes and standards for automotive safety • Identifying flame retardant compounds • Fire behavior • Signs of arson • Determining burn temperature • Finding burn patterns • Exhaust system fires • Underhood fires • Electric system fires • Flammable liquids • Manufacturer liability
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| Customer Reviews:
Automotive Fire Analysis: An Engineering Approach May 28, 2005
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Being particularly interested in fire prevention, and being in fond of installing fire extinguisher mountings inside the cars, I had lack of knowledge in automotive fire and fire prevention. This book was what I missed for a long time. Here is something what I've learned from this paperback:
In the early days of automobiles, safety was virtually unheard of. For example, until the late 1940s automobiles used plate glass in the windshield and side glass. Early motor vehicle is little more than a speeding gas can with a sofa mounted on it. These cars used cotton batting, mohair and natural fibers to upholster and insulate the interior. These early vehicles would smolder, ignite and sustain a flame quite well. Much like the upholstered chairs or sofas found in the home, something as simple as an errantly discarded cigarette would ignite the material into a giant blazing inferno.
Starting with the history of automotive safety, the book proceeds to contemporary cars, which consist of materials virtually inflammable, unless exposed to any kind of fire accelerant. Almost every substance of earth contains carbon in some form. If subjected to a high enough level of heat, pretty much everything will burn. Items thought to be not flammable such as steel and concrete become flammable if exposed to a 7000F (3500C) fire.
Describing fire behavior basics, the books analyzes burning characteristics of exhaust system and underhood flammable liquids like gasoline and diesel fuel, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, hydraulic ride fluid, brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, windshield washing fluid. Ignition capabilities of air filters and fuel injection system is also analyzed. The book conduct an in-depth inquiry of electrical system and fire: battery, alternator, started motor, HVAC, engine ignition coil, electrical switch, solenoids, wiring looms, fuse and relay panel, etc.
Targeted to fire investigators, the books describes engineer's principal job to determine if there exists a primary failed part which could have caused an operational mode fire, and to find arson indicators, since deliberate arson is a crime. The most common mistake ca perpetrator makes in deliberate arson is that a copious quantity of flammable liquid is splashed around the interior or the engine compartment and then ignited. The result will be a burn pattern which will be obviously greater than the available fuel load. The book completes with the chapter "Engineer in the courtroom", which describes proper investigation techniques, scene photography, forensic tools, subrogation issues, arbitration and the superior court action.
I don't have a CD-ROM which seems to accompany this book.
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