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PDF Forensic Engineering The Art and Craft of A Failure Detective 1St Edition Colin Gagg Ebook Full Chapter
PDF Forensic Engineering The Art and Craft of A Failure Detective 1St Edition Colin Gagg Ebook Full Chapter
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Forensic Engineering
Te Art and Craf of a Failure Detective
Forensic Engineering
Te Art and Craf of a Failure Detective
Colin R. Gagg
CRC Press
Taylor & Francis Group
6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33487-2742
Tis book contains information obtained from authentic and highly regarded sources. Reasonable eforts have
been made to publish reliable data and information, but the author and publisher cannot assume responsibil-
ity for the validity of all materials or the consequences of their use. Te authors and publishers have attempted
to trace the copyright holders of all material reproduced in this publication and apologize to copyright holders
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edged please write and let us know so we may rectify in any future reprint.
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Preface xix
Acknowledgements xxiii
Author xxv
vii
viii Contents
Te content of this book will not present a rigid guideline for the investi-
gator to faithfully follow, simply as no single set of rules could encompass
every possible failure scenario. Consequently, this book will develop a logical
generic approach to failure analysis that can be adopted or adapted to suit
the needs of most failure investigation. Terefore, it is hoped that every book
purchased will become ragged and creased from constant reference and use,
rather than just sitting in decorative inactivity on a bookshelf.
xvii
Preface
xix
xx Preface
Summary
From the brief preceding introduction into the art and science of forensic
engineering, it is safe to suggest that the reader will gain an understand-
ing of the breadth and depth of knowledge and experience demanded of the
practitioner. Tis book will reference the work of many scientists, engineers
and legal practitioners working in the arena. Teir combined body of work
represents a backbone of forensic engineering analysis. Furthermore, I hope
to stand amongst such eminent colleagues and raise the profle of forensic
Preface xxi
First and foremost, my thoughts turn to Mr Ken Reynolds, who was both a
mentor and friend. Ken frst introduced me to the world of forensic engineer-
ing some 30 years ago. In the intervening years, we collaborated on numer-
ous case fles, ranging from murder investigation to simple ladder accidents.
It was his foresight and faith in my ability that has given me one of the loves
of my life, that of forensic engineering investigation. For this, I am eternally
grateful.
Particular thanks must go to the numerous manufacturers, insurance
companies, loss adjusters, barristers and lawyers. Instruction received from
these professional agents has been varied, stimulating and at times a chal-
lenge. Many of the case studies used to illustrate this book have derived
directly from instruction received from them. My thanks are extended to
each and every one for the confdence they expressed in my ability to inves-
tigate their particular failure occurrence. I would also like to extend my
appreciation to fellow experts with whom I have collaborated over the pass-
ing years, all of whom have been open to both argument and (some very
lively) discussion.
Having worked side-by-side over many years with Mr Paul Fagan, an
internationally recognised fre investigation expert, his quiet demeanour
coupled with a dogged determination to uncover the truth in human afairs
has been an inspiration. Many thanks, Paul, I have enjoyed our professional
journey together, and you will no doubt recognise a number of the case stud-
ies presented within the text body of this book.
Dr Peter Lewis, of Te Open University, is both a work colleague and
friend. We have collaborated on numerous research papers, two textbooks
and as contributing authors for a post-graduate course on forensic engi-
neering, T839 Forensic Engineering, presented as part of the post-graduate
engineering ofering at Te Open University, UK. Peter has been a source of
continued encouragement, patiently persuading me to continue the publica-
tion of my investigations, as a contribution to the growing body of knowl-
edge. Again, my unreserved thanks are ofered to Peter.
Tanks must be extended to the Royal Academy of Engineering (UK)
and Te Open University for their fnancial support for continued par-
ticipation at the International Conference of Engineering Failure Analysis
(ICEFA) series; Te Open University must also be thanked for permission
xxiii
xxiv Acknowledgements
to use case study material that I frst developed for the post-graduate course,
T839 Forensic Engineering.
Special thanks must go to both Dr D.R.H. (Dai) Jones of Cambridge
University, and Dr Richard Clegg, Editor-in-Chief, Engineering Failure
Analysis for their unfailing encouragement to publish engineering failure
case studies in the journal Engineering Failure Analysis, and for their contin-
ued support, and confdence in me.
Final thanks must be reserved for my family and friends. Teir continued
support, patience and understanding over the past years have been unshak-
able; I can clearly remember hearing their excitement (or was that groans
from my wife?) when I informed them of my intention to write another book.
When undertaking practice in any chosen vocation, development as
a professional will continue throughout the individual’s working lifetime.
Terefore, the philosophy for my growth, ongoing training and experience
as a forensic engineer should now be clear: it will continue year on year. It
follows logically that as a practicing professional, I am as much a work in
progress as is the subject area. Terefore, my writing of this book will be
open-ended, giving both confdence and credibility to the quotation:
Tis book has a beginning but not an ending; it is, like the writer, a ‘work in
progress’.
Dr Colin R Gagg
Author
xxv
xxvi Author
Lessons derived from all forms of structural and equipment failure have been
learned since the dawn of modern civilisation. Techniques and tools for inves-
tigating failure have been honed over time, by both scientists and practising
engineers. However, until quite recently, failure investigation was restricted
in that focus centre on material selection, design, product use/abuse, manu-
facture and failure mechanics within the part itself. Subsequent reporting
therefore presented a somewhat narrow outlook, not fully exploring causes
of failure or identifying potential problems that could follow. In more recent
times the analytical discipline of forensic engineering has evolved, demand-
ing a systematic approach to failure that will include any and all manage-
rial and legal aspects surrounding an incident. Te process will encompass
and emphasise the whole system, rather than simply concentrating on the
failure of a specifc part. Service failure of any part or system will be accom-
panied by a clear potential for personal injury, monetary loss and/or dam-
age to property. As such, forensic investigation and analysis are performed
under an overarching umbrella of the legal system, with the consequences of
failure being judged under the law of product liability. As a subject, forensic
engineering is most commonly applied in civil law cases. However, its profle
is also being raised in the arena of criminal law. In general, the objective
of any forensic engineering investigation is to determine cause or causes of
failure with a view to improve the performance or life of a component and/
or to assist a court in establishing the facts of an event. Te subject will also
embrace the investigation of intellectual property claims, particularly patent
disputes. Case study analysis has been identifed as a prime route for promul-
gating failures in an attempt to limit (if not eliminate) further re-occurrence
of identical failures. Furthermore, case study analysis has been accredited as
a vehicle to inform a new generation of engineers of the downsides to new
product development, and the serious consequences of product failure in
the marketplace. Direct practical experience of failed products shows that
* Certain brief passages in this chapter are incorporated, with permission, and used ver-
batim from the Elsevier book – Forensic Polymer Engineering: Why Polymer Products
Fail in Service, Second Edition (2010) – co-authored by the author and cited within the
References section at the end of this chapter.
1
2 Forensic Engineering
there is still much room for progress in preventative engineering, and rais-
ing awareness among product designers and manufacturing personnel of the
need to examine and analyse failures utilising appropriate tools which have
been developed to a sophisticated level over the past decade.
Figure 1.1 (A) The Code of Hammurabi, 2200 bc. (B) Closer view of inscription.
(Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons, licensed under Creative Commons.)
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INTRODUCTION.