scholarly journals Forensic Engineering Analysis Of Taillight Filaments By Digital Photomicroscopy

Author(s):  
James E. Flynn

During The Analysis And Reconstruction Of An Automobile Accident, It Is Often Necessary For The Forensic Engineer To Examine The Headlights Or Taillights Of A Vehicle In An Attempt To Find Evidence Which Will Allow For A Determination Of Whether Or Not The Lights Were On And Operating At The Time Of The Collision. This Paper Describes The Use Of Digital Photomicroscopy For The Evaluation And Documentation Of Such Evidence.

Author(s):  
Laura L. Liptai ◽  
Lamb Rowland D.

This Study Examines The Theory And Methods Of Forensic Engineering Analysis Applied To Pedestrian Trauma And Fatality. Optimally Approached With The Collective Analysis Of Both The Accident Reconstruction Engineer And Biomedical Engineer, The Accident Reconstruction Engineer Translates The Physical Evidence Related To The Vehicle And Scene While The Biomedical Engineer Interprets The Physical Evidence Related To The Human Body In The Biological Tissues. With Both Disciplines, A Collaborative Understanding Can Be Gained Using The Vehicular And Human Tissue Physical Evidence Available. The Case Presented Involves A Pedestrian Verses An Automobile. The Collision Between A Pedestrian And Automobile Resulted In The Death Of The Pedestrian. Physical Evidence On The Vehicle Included: A Dent In The Front Right Fender; A Spider Web Glass Fracture Pattern On The Windshield In The Lower Right Comer; And A Dent In The Right A-Pillar. This Study Will Also Demonstrate What Can Be Learned From The Absence Of Classic Physical Evidence On The Vehicle And On The Pedestrian As Well As The Determination Of When A Kinematic Study Is Appropriate For Pedestrian Verses Automobile Investigation.


Author(s):  
Michael A. Knox

The reconstruction of shooting incidents based on the terminal bullet trajectory is commonly carried out over short distances using a linear trajectory simplification model. However, when shooting incidents, such as sniper attacks, take place over longer distances, linear simplification models destabilize and result in large errors in determining the location of the shooter. In such cases, it becomes necessary to account for a large number of variables affecting the flight path of the bullet. While linear simplification models for bullet trajectories do not require robust engineering analysis methods, reverse modeling of long-range bullet trajectories can only be carried out using numerical methods for solving the differential equations of projectile motion. This paper will explore methods for employing computational engineering methods to model the trajectories of bullets with a focus on reverse modeling from the trajectory terminus. In this way, the forensic engineer can use basic measurements of the terminal angle of the bullet trajectory combined with appropriate knowledge of the firearm and ammunition to model the bullet’s path back to a probable location of the shooter. This paper will focus on methods that the forensic engineer can employ when solving problems involving determination of the location of a shooter based on limited physical evidence at the scene. Computational analysis tools will be presented.


Author(s):  
Frank H. Johnson

Obviously, communication is one of the most important aspects of forensic engineering. Communication is certainly important between both the engineer and the lawyer as well as the engineer and the jury. Of course, communication involves not only sending a message to someone but also making sure that the message is understood by the person receiving it. Speaking and sending letters are two methods of sending a message. However, perhaps a more direct form of communication is visual. The old adage 'a picture is worth a thousand words' has been proven many, many times. Therefore, this discussion deals with two very specific methods of achieving communication through visual presentation. First of all, understand that these two methods are directed primarily toward accident reconstruction. For purposes of illustration, an automobile accident will be used as an example; however, these methods can be applied to other types of accidents as well. The first method, one involving aerial photography, is currently under development. The other method, which is primarily graphic, is already developed and available through several graphic companies or individuals.


Author(s):  
D.S. Sax Saxena ◽  
Saxena Anu

The Influence Of Construction And Pile Driving Vibrations On Surrounding Buildings, Including Hospitals And Eye Examination Facilities, Sensitive Devices Such As Computers And Surgical Microscopes Or Electronic Machines, And People In The Urban Environment Is A Significant Consideration In Obtaining Project Approvals From Appropriate Agencies And Authorities. Implementation Of Construction Projects In Areas Adjacent To Existing Buildings (Aged, Historical, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Medical Services, Or Electronic Services) Creates Additional Difficulties. Specialized Case History Is Presented Where Damage To Sensitive Structures From A Variety Of Vibratory Construction Methods Ranging From Pile Driving, Highway Construction, Rock Excavation And/Or Blasting, Was Considered. Twenty Homeowners From A Residential Subdivision In The Florida Panhandle, Claimed Damage Including Cracking To Their Properties During Construction Of Various Portions Of City Storm Water Treatment/Enhancement Project. It Was Also Alleged That During Excavation And Construction Of Drainage Structures, Especially Four Subsurface Treatment Vaults That Required Installation And Extraction Of Sheet Piles Using Vibratory Hammer, Stability Of The Nearby Residential Structures Was Endangered And Resulted In Movement/Cracking. Forensic Engineering Analysis Was Effectively Utilized To Identify, Investigate, And Remediate The Concerns As Well As Assist In Litigation And In Some Cases Avoidance. This Technical Paper Presents Some Legal Issues Related To Litigation, Mediation, And Resolution Involving Jurisprudence System And Introduces A Case History That Includes All Elements Of Forensic Engineering.


Author(s):  
Curtis E. Falany

Lightning Is A Powerful And Dangerous Natural Force. It Is Capable Of Inflicting Significant Damage To Our Environment And Causing Injury Or Death In Living Organisms. Electrical And Electronic Circuits Are Particularly Susceptible To Lightning, Both From Direct Strikes And From Lightning Induced Electrical Surges. Fires Often Result From Lightning Strikes. Injury And Death Can Result From Both Direct Strikes, Lightning Induced Electrical Surges, And Indirectly From Structure Damage And Fires. The Insurance In-Dustry Offers Coverage For Lighting Related Losses And A Forensic Engineer Is Often Consulted To Assist In Adjusting The Claim.


Author(s):  
James W. Jones

An Automobile Accident Is Reconstructed From Photographs Taken At The Scene By The California Highway Patrol. The Plaintiff Attorney Claimed That There Should Have Been A Protected Left Turn Lane. The State Claimed That The Accident Was Not Caused By The Absence Of A Left Turn Pocket And Was The Result Of Driver Error. This Paper Describes How The Accident Was Reconstructed By The Author Using Only Photo-Graphs Taken By The Chp And First Principles Of Physics. This Reconstruction Is Compared To That Of The Plaintiff Expert Who Used The Commercial Computer Program Pc-Crash.


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