Automotive Fire Analysis: An Engineering Approach Book

1	Introduction	1
1.1	Background of the Problem	1
1.2	Reasons for Lack of Information on Vehicle Fire	2
1.3	Statement of the Problem	3
1.4	Purpose of the Study	4
1.5	Definitions of Terms	4
1.6	Limitations of the Study	12
2	A History of Codes and Standards	15
2.1	Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 302: Interior Flammability	17
2.2	Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J369	19
2.3	Society of Automotive Engineers Standard J1344	21
2.4	International Standards Organization Number 14004	22
2.5	International Standards Organization Number 1043-1	23
2.6	International Standards Organization Number 1043-2	23
2.7	International Standards Organization Number 1043-4	24
2.8	International Standards Organization Number 1629	24
2.9	International Standards Organization Number 11469	25
2.10	Deutsch Institut fur Normung Number 260	26
2.11	American Society of Testing and Materials Standard 1600	26
2.12	International Standards Institute Standards Numbers 472 and 1087	26
2.13	Conclusion	28
3	Automotive Fire Mechanisms	31
3.1	Fire Behavior Basics	32
3.2	Exhaust System Fires	33
A	Foreign objects on the exhaust	39
B	Truck bed floorboard fires from the exhaust	40
C	Underhood fluids	41
D	Onboard flammable liquids	43
E	Conclusion	53
3.3	Electrical Systems and Fire	53
A	Battery fire	57
B	Alternator fires	60
C	Starter motor fires	63
D	HVAC and other electric motor fire	64
E	Engine ignition coil	64
F	Electrical switch fire	65
G	Solenoids	66
H	Wiring looms	67
I	Fuse and relay panel fire	70
J	Headlamps	71
K	Electric seat track or seat heaters	72
L	High current flow computer modules	75
3.4	Add-On and Optional Equipment	77
3.5	Normal Burn Temperatures and Burn Patterns	81
3.6	Arson Indicators	87
3.7	Signs of Arson	89
A	Whitish coating	89
B	Low burn patterns	90
C	Melted pools of glass	91
D	Extreme consumption of polymerics	91
E	Fire burning under engine or floor pan	92
F	Fire in different compartments	92
G	Destruction of steering column	93
H	Destruction of large aluminum castings	93
4	Automotive Composites	97
4.1	Early Plastics	97
4.2	Thermoplastics and Thermosetting Plastics	98
4.3	Olefins and Polyolefins	98
4.4	Rubber and Rubber Components	99
4.5	Polymerics and Nanocomposites	99
5	The Engineer in the Courtroom	107
5.1	Proper Investigation Techniques	107
5.2	Proper Scene Photography	110
5.3	Forensic Tools	113
5.4	Subrogation Issues	117
5.5	Arbitration	118
5.6	The Superior Court Action	119
	References	129
	About the Author	133
	Index	135