Principles and Practice of Forensic Mechanical Engineering

Principles and Practice of Forensic Mechanical Engineering explains the physical processes and causes of failures that result in physical or bodily damage. It discusses the nature of defects and defines the three types – design defects, manufacturing defects and service defects – with supporting examples of each. Drawing on the author’s decades of experience, the book advises mechanical engineers how to investigate the cause of an incident, evaluate responsibility and prepare a report of the results. Rather than focusing solely on theoretical aspects of physics or chemistry, readers will learn how physical and chemical principles can be applied to solve real-world cases. Through numerous examples, the book emphasizes the need for not only technical knowledge but also thinking outside the box to resolve challenging cases. This book supplies essential knowledge about forensic procedures to help mechanical engineers become involved in and efficiently practice forensics.

Table of Contents:
1. Introduction. 2. Defects. 3. Peculiar Failures. 4. Machine Accidents. 5. Combustion Explosions. 6. Combustion Venting. 7. Ignition of Mixed Flammable Liquids. 8. Arson. 9. Soot. 10. Steam and Other Boiling Liquid Explosions. 11. Pipe Bursts From Freezing. 12. Vertical Tank Failures. 13. Residential Oil Tank Failures. 14. Control Standards. 15. Conclusions, Opinions and Liability. Afterword.

About the Author :
Fredric M. Blum has practiced forensic mechanical engineering full-time for more than 46 years and currently works as an independent practitioner. Mr. Blum has investigated thousands of cases on behalf of plaintiffs, defendants, insurance companies and attorneys, written thousands of reports, given deposition testimony numerous times and testified in court more than two hundred times. He received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University, USA, in 1963 and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, USA, in 1965. He is also a Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator. Early in his career, Mr. Blum was employed for four years as a systems analyst at Auerbach Corp., Philadelphia, USA, and for five years as a systems analyst and Technical Manager at Analytics, Inc., Willow Grove, USA. For four years thereafter, he worked in construction carpentry and founded and operated his own residential design and construction company in Santa Fe, NM. For most of his career as a forensic mechanical engineer, he was affiliated with Paul Zamrowski Associates, West Chester, PA. Mr. Blum has authored several articles on forensic mechanical engineering, including “Oil Burner Fires” (1980), “Kerosene Heater Fires” (1981) and “Soot Contamination from Oil Burners, Gas Appliances & Candles” (2002).