This book is not an advanced engineering text. Rather, it is a practical presentation with traffic accident reconstruction principles presented in a simple, understandable manner so that the reader will easily retain these important concepts. The engineering principles involved are introduced at the elementary level, and in many cases equations used in freshman physics are derived. The authors believe that the derivations are presented in the simplest manner possible so that the reader will retain this material. The book is the result of an effort to compile over a period of years useful forensic engineering data, information, and analytical techniques over and above those taught to non-engineers. Many of the mathematical treatments are original. In general, the book reflects the authors' combined over forty years experience of forensic investigations involving thousands of cases. It offers something for everyone interested in forensic engineering. In the new second edition, Chapters 3 to 5 have been substantially modified, and the remainder of the text has been edited to bring its various parts up to date. The experienced investigator will find a wealth of new ideas and relationships to fill in gaps in his knowledge and reinforce his analytical approaches. Those starting new in this work will have an advantage on their competition after studying this material. For the non-technical reader, most of the book is eminently readable. To an investigator, attorney, or insurance adjuster with only a nodding acquaintance with freshman physics, the book should be totally comprehensible.

On first reading this book the reviewers were somewhat disappointed. After reflecting on the material presented, we realized that we had been expecting a technical expose on engineering principles, and the book fell short of that expectation. Although some basic formulas are presented, the book seems to be intended as a discourse on the fundamentals of technical investigations rather than the typical formula derivation, example, and solution philosophy. As such, this narrative overview of forensic engineering investigations is very well written and presents the reader with a refreshing and interesting approach to technical literature. Although this book cannot be fully appreciated by the novice investigator, the experienced forensic engineer will find many areas worth rereading.

Over the past 25 years, Harold and Darren Franck have investigated hundreds of accidents involving vehicles of almost every shape, size, and type imaginable. In Mathematical Methods for Accident Reconstruction: A Forensic Engineering Perspective, these seasoned experts demonstrate the application of mathematics to modeling accident reconstructions

Forensic engineers often specialize in a particular area such as structures, fires, or accident reconstruction. However, the nature of the work often requires broad knowledge in the interrelated areas of physics, chemistry, biomechanics, and engineering. Covering cases as varied as assessment of workplace accidents to the investigation of Halliburton in the BP oil spill, Forensic Engineering Fundamentals is a comprehensive introduction to the many diverse facets of the field that forensic engineers must be familiar with in their practice. Topics include The role of the forensic engineer Structures, structural distress, and the importance of standards and codes The failure of appliances—the cause of many water- or fire-related losses Slips, trips, and falls of pedestrians and the accessibility of walking surfaces Industrial incidents involving loss of equipment, injury and loss of life, as well as OSHA and MSHA regulations Standard accident reconstruction involving vehicles Electrical incidents and lightning and the effect of electrical energy on the human body Analysis of fires with an emphasis on thermodynamics, testing, and simulation Carbon monoxide incidents and common fire suppression and warning systems, as well as the various NFPA codes Probability and uncertainty, with some basic calculations available to the forensic engineer Applicable standards and protocols that have developed over the years to protect life and property Offering readers real-world experience drawn from the authors’ 25 years of experience, this volume assists newcomers to the field in understanding the engineering basics underlying the cases they will encounter in their practice. It also serves as a reliable reference for those confronted with issues outside their area of expertise.

Forensic engineering is generally defined as the application of engineering principles and methodology to answer questions of fact that may have legal ramifications. This new book provides an introduction to the science, methodology, and engineering principles involved in the diagnosis of some common types of accidents and failures, such as fires, explosions, automobile accidents, storm damage, industrial accidents, slips and falls, arson, water pipe damage and more. Each chapter stands alone and can be read without reference to the others. The chapters have been written so that non-technical professionals can easily digest the information and immediately apply it. The book will also be useful to technical professionals who are unfamiliar with particular investigative methodology or technical points of interest. Introduction to Forensic Engineering will benefit lawyers, insurance investigators, engineers, and other professionals who must handle investigative and legal aspects of accidents or failures.

This edition of Forensic Engineering updates the original work with new case studies and investigative techniques. Contributors to the book are the foremost authorities in each area of specialization. These specialty areas include fire investigation, industrial accidents, product liability, traffic accidents, civil engineering and transportation di

Accident analysis is not like a classroom problem where the equations are selected and solved, and the matter is considered closed. In this line of forensics, engineering skill must be combined with skillful practice for the successful presentation of evidence to a jury. In this book, the author demonstrates the application of engineering skills, methods, and judgment for analyzing vehicular accidents. A definition of vehicular accident reconstruction and its role in the legal system is provided. General accident statistics are cited, and some general strategies for accident reconstruction are given, along with many examples and case studies. The author includes novel and unusual treatment of the momentum method and coefficient of restitution (which is not yet widespread in accident analysis) and shows how to select the best methods of analysis in a given accident reconstruction.

Bicycle Accident Reconstruction for the Forensic Engineer describes the methodology for reconstructing bicycle and pedestrian accidents. Of particular interest is analysis of light, signation and conspicuity on the reconstruction of all types of accidents.

Engineering Standards for Forensic Application presents the technologies and law precedents for the application of engineering standards to forensic opinions, discussing Fundamentals, Disciplines, Engineering Standards, The Basics and the Future of Forensics. The book explores the engineering standard and how it is used by experts to give opinions that are introduced into evidence, and how they are assumed to be the best evidence known on the topic at hand. Final sections include coverage of NFL Brain Injuries and the Flint Water Crisis. Examples of the use of engineering standards are shown and discussed throughout the work. - Addresses a wide variety of forensic engineering areas, including relevant law - Provides a new approach of study that includes the work of both engineers and litigators - Contains contributions from over 40 experts, offering the reader examples of general forensic methods that are based on reliable engineering practice