Publications
System Safety Methods As Applied to Forensic Engineering
Journal Article Title: System Safety Methods As Applied to Forensic Engineering
Article Author(s): JOHNSON, FRANK H., P.E.
Volume: 2
Volume #: 1
Month: June
Year: 1985
Abstract:
For those of you who are practicing forensic engineers, you are well aware that forensic engineering is a very demanding and exacting field. You also know that the subject areas in which a forensic engineer can become involved are of great variety. Many times a forensic engineer must address issues of safety with respect to a particular project. Most engineers are not specifically trained in the field of safety and usually rely on years of experience and background, as well as self-study into the field of safety. Even less is the number of engineers who are also trained in the field of system safety. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the subject of system safety to the field of forensic engineering and encourage you, as forensic engineers, to study system safety as an additional tool to use in the future.
Documentation In The Small Forensic Engineering Office
Journal Article Title: Documentation In The Small Forensic Engineering Office
Article Author(s): EGERER, HERBERT, P.E.
Volume: 2
Volume #: 1
Month: June
Year: 1985
Abstract:
In order for the forensic engineer to be effective in his or her task, the forensic engineer must possess a number of qualities that allow that task to be accomplished successfully. One of these qualities is credibility. Unless the forensic engineer has credibility, the task at hand can not be brought to a successful conclusion. In a recent decision the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals found that where "the only evidence was conflicting expert testimony" a "new trial was granted on the trial Judge's finding of credibility, and when the resolution of a case boils down to credibility, the jury must be permitted to determine the weight to be given to each witness's testimony. "In other words, the jury will decide which expert witness has more credibility. Let's briefly look at the definition of the word "credibility;" it is derived from the word "credit," which, according to Webster, means: "Capable of being believed; reliance on the truth of something; trust; reputation derived from the confidence of others; esteem; good name; a source of honor or good standing."
Enhancing CAD For The Forensic Engineer
Journal Article Title: Enhancing CAD For The Forensic Engineer
Article Author(s): MANNING, LINDLEY, P.E., Bentson, Lynn, P.E.
Volume: 2
Volume #: 1
Month: June
Year: 1985
Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to inform the Academy of an application of computer graphics that has been successful in the court room and which has the potential for extension to many related needs of the forensic engineer. An additional purpose is to examine the possibility of cooperation within the Academy to make a broad database and selection of equipment available to the members. Attentive engineers of today are well aware of the growing use and impact of computer-aided drafting, design and analysis in a wide variety of industries. In our field, we are aware of large analysis programs which have been used with success in court, for example the "CRASH" series. The authors' forensic engineering partnership has developed ways to utilize the more widely available drafting systems to inexpensively fill the gap between photographic evidence and full engineering drawings. We have also found that CAD drawings appear to have more impact in court than hand done drawings. In some cases these techniques may also be extended to eliminate laborious field measurements in some cases. The concepts will be presented in the following steps: I. CAD equipment II. Procedures, examples, use and technical aspects III. Effectiveness and economics IV. Future developments
Safety And The Unreasonably Dangerous Product
Journal Article Title: Safety And The Unreasonably Dangerous Product
Article Author(s): MUSTER, DOUGLAS F, PH.D., P.E.
Volume: 2
Volume #: 1
Month: June
Year: 1985
Abstract:
Two points are made here. First, the classic definition of safety is simply unsuitable as an engineering instruction to a designer. Thus, let us harmonize safety and design by using a different definition. Let us define safety (in the context of product design) as the absence of unreasonable danger. Then, by using the language of the courts and taking into account the engineering implications of the tests used there to assess the presence of design defects in a product, a designer can establish criteria against which to measure its safety before the design is released for manufacture. Second, there have been specific improvements in the design of products that can be attributed to litigation brought under products liability law. With the data base and software being generated today, engineers have at hand the means to create designs that should be safe -- or, let us say, not unreasonably dangerous.
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