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5.0 out of 5 stars
Automotive Fire Analysis: An Engineering Approach, May 28, 2005
This review is from: Automotive Fire Analysis: An Engineering Approach (Paperback)
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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1.0 out of 5 stars
Save your money for a better book, December 9, 2010
This review is from: Automotive Fire Analysis: An Engineering Approach (Paperback)
I literally found glaring inaccuracies on every page. I intend to use this book in my future lectures as an example of the JUNK that is available on the market. I am angry that I paid full retail, a bit, but I really wonder how this got published. In fairness, there are a few items in the book that are at least good subjects to get the interested reader thinking, but it is amazing how the writer misuses terms, provides absolutely incorrect chemical information, makes statements regarding ignition of fluids and plastic components that are very wrong and clearly lack a foundation of the testing that he describes as important. The very worst thing about this book is that some people who are attempting to educate themselves in this field may rely on it as a source of information that, gained in the training stages of their career, they may then use in their own investigative endeavors and even teach this inaccurate info to others. Wow. I just can't say enough about why no one should buy this junk. Interestingly the author makes many curious comments about young drivers and users of automobiles that tend to define his own age. He also appears not to have discovered digital photography, and apparently has no understanding that digital has long superceded film in the forensic industry. Like another reviewer, I found that much of the book consists of "cut and paste" material from other publications, both private and public, and much of that material is way out of date. Look up the author. Note that, although he uses the term "engineer" often, he is not an engineer. Even though his company uses that term in their name! (Are you listening, California Board of Engineers?) And although he often refers (a bit snidely) to "fire investigators" and "certified fire investigators", he clearly is not one of those either.
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2.0 out of 5 stars
Not much new information, October 27, 2010
I expected much more given the title of the book. Even considering the 2008 copyright date, some information is outdated. Digital cameras? No color photos? Most of the information is available from other sources which should be used due to regular updating. Over 25% of the book is devoted to citing codes, standards, listing definitions, discussion of case law, courtroom protocol, and basics. NFPA 921, which every fire investigator should have, covers the majority of of this much better. Good discussion of potential causes from vehicle components. No real discussion of fire origin area determination though some discussion of patterns which could have been greatly expanded as to their presence on metals and should have color photographs. Decent discussion of polymers and modern vehicle propulsion systems. Dwells too much on arson, though it is an important topic...."Signs" of arson can be very misleading though Mr. Barnett points out there can be innocent reasons for their presence. CD is interesting to watch, but again adds nothing new to others out there. The book jumps around in several areas which is confusing. The idea of the book is good but it would be better to have a flow from origin to cause to instruct on how to conduct a vehicle fire investigation. Overall, I was very disappointed in the book and feel that for the cost, the money could have better spent on other books out there.
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