Forensic Polymer Engineering


Book Description

Forensic Polymer Engineering: Why Polymer Products Fail in Service, Second Edition presents and explains the latest forensic engineering techniques used in the investigation of failed polymer materials that are illustrated with a very large number of detailed case studies which show the different types of failure and the forensic engineering techniques used in their investigation. In this updated edition, new case studies have been added to include patent disputes and failed products such as spiral wound wall storage tanks, lithium battery explosions, water bottle failures, and breast implant failures (such as the PIP scandal). New images demonstrating failure have been included, and images from the previous edition are reproduced in color and enhanced with additional explanatory detail. With a dedicated focus on polymeric materials, the book includes details on the experimental techniques that are used to characterize the materials, particularly in cases of failure. Finally, the book has information on the fabrication of polymer devices, as manufacturing flaws often play a role in failure. - Demonstrates the latest forensic engineering techniques used in the investigation of failed polymer components - Presents detailed case studies that illustrate different types of failure in polymer components, fittings, and medical devices - Examines the role of manufacturing in product failure with an overview of faults recognized in methods, design, and material selection - Provides an integrated approach to polymer failures that covers everything from basic materials properties, through to the experimental techniques required to study them




Forensic Engineering


Book Description

Proceedings of the Sixth Congress on Forensic Engineering, held in San Francisco, California, October 31-November 3, 2012. Sponsored by the Technical Council on Forensic Engineering of ASCE. This collection contains 144 peer-reviewed papers presenting findings intended to help forensic engineers develop practices and procedures to reduce the number of failures, disseminate information on failures, and provide guidelines for conducting failure investigations and for ethical conduct. Topics include: bridges; building envelopes; critical infrastructure; design practices; disaster risk management; education; emerging technologies; fires; floods; flooring; geotechnical failures; hurricanes, tornadoes, and extreme winds; investigative methodologies; practices to reduce failures; professional practice; research and testing; residential construction; and structural failures. This will be valuable to engineers, researchers, educators, and students involved in forensic engineering.




Polymeric and Nanostructured Materials


Book Description

This volume provides in-depth knowledge and recent research on polymers and nanostructured materials from synthesis to advanced applications. Leading researchers from industry, academia, government, and private research institutions across the globe have contributed to this volume, covering new research on nanocomposites, polymer technology, and electrochemistry.




Forensic Science


Book Description

Concentrating on the natural science aspects of forensics, top international authors from renowned universities, institutes, and laboratories impart the latest information from the field. In doing so they provide the background needed to understand the state of the art in forensic science with a focus on biological, chemical, biochemical, and physical methods. The broad subject coverage includes spectroscopic analysis techniques in various wavelength regimes, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, electrochemical detection approaches, and imaging techniques, as well as advanced biochemical, DNA-based identification methods. The result is a unique collection of hard-to-get data that is otherwise only found scattered throughout the literature.




Principles of Polymer Engineering


Book Description

Polymers have an important role in manufacturing and their engineering properties form an important part of any course in engineering. This revised and updated second edition develops the principles of polymer engineering from the underlying materials science, and is aimed at undergraduateand postgraduate students in engineering and materials science. The opening chapters explain why plastics and rubbers have such distinctive properties and how these are affected by temperature, strain rate, and other factors. The book then explores how these properties can be exploited within theseproperty constraints to produce functional components. Major changes for this second edition include an introductory chapter on the environmental impact of polymers, emphasizing the important issues, and substantially revised sections on fracture testing for toughened polymers, yield, processing,heat transfer, and polymer forming.




Forensic Science


Book Description

Concentrating on the natural science aspects of forensics, top international authors from renowned universities, institutes, and laboratories impart the latest information from the field. In doing so they provide the background needed to understand the state of the art in forensic science with a focus on biological, chemical, biochemical, and physical methods. The broad subject coverage includes spectroscopic analysis techniques in various wavelength regimes, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, electrochemical detection approaches, and imaging techniques, as well as advanced biochemical, DNA-based identification methods. The result is a unique collection of hard-to-get data that is otherwise only found scattered throughout the literature.




Introduction to Plastics Engineering


Book Description

The authoritative introduction to all aspects of plastics engineering — offering both academic and industry perspectives in one complete volume. Introduction to Plastics Engineering provides a self-contained introduction to plastics engineering. A unique synergistic approach explores all aspects of material use — concepts, mechanics, materials, part design, part fabrication, and assembly — required for converting plastic materials, mainly in the form of small pellets, into useful products. Thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, and advanced composites, the four disparate application areas of polymers normally treated as separate subjects, are covered together. Divided into five parts — Concepts, Mechanics, Materials, Part Processing and Assembly, and Material Systems — this inclusive volume enables readers to gain a well-rounded, foundational knowledge of plastics engineering. Chapters cover topics including the structure of polymers, how concepts from polymer physics explain the macro behavior of plastics, evolving concepts for plastics use, simple mechanics principles and their role in plastics engineering, models for the behavior of solids and fluids, and the mechanisms underlying the stiffening of plastics by embedded fibers. Drawing from his over fifty years in both academia and industry, Author Vijay Stokes uses the synergy between fundamentals and applications to provide a more meaningful introduction to plastics. Examines every facet of plastics engineering from materials and fabrication methods to advanced composites Provides accurate, up-to-date information for students and engineers both new to plastics and highly experienced with them Offers a practical guide to large number of materials and their applications Addresses current issues for mechanical design, part performance, and part fabrication Introduction to Plastics Engineering is an ideal text for practicing engineers, researchers, and students in mechanical and plastics engineering and related industries.




Forensic Analytical Techniques


Book Description

The book will be an open learning / distance learning text in the Analytical Techniques for the Sciences (AnTS) covering analytical techniques used in forensic science. No prior knowledge of the analytical techniques will be required by the reader. An introductory chapter will provide an overview of the science of the materials used as forensic evidence. Each of the following chapters will describe the techniques used in forensic analysis. The theory, instrumentation and sampling techniques will be explained and examples of the application of each technique to particular forensic samples will be provided. The reader will be able to assess their understanding with the use of regular self assessment questions and discussion questions throughout the book. The user of the book will be able to apply their understanding to the application of specific techniques to particular analyses encountered in their professional life.




Fractography in Failure Analysis of Polymers


Book Description

Fractography in Failure Analysis of Polymers provides a practical guide to the science of fractography and its application in the failure analysis of plastic components. In addition to a brief background on the theory of fractography, the authors discuss the various fractographic tools and techniques used to identify key fracture characteristics. Case studies are included for a wide range of polymer types, applications, and failure modes, as well as best practice guidelines enabling engineers to apply these lessons to their own work. Detailed images and their appropriate context are presented for reference in failure investigations. This text is vital for engineers who must determine the root causes of failure when it occurs, helping them further study the ramifications of product liability claims, environmental concerns, and brand image. - Presents a comprehensive guide to applied fractography, enabling improved reliability and longevity of plastic parts and products - Includes case studies that demonstrate material selection decisions and how to reduce failure rates - Provides best practices on how to analyze the cause of material failures, along with guidelines on improving design and manufacturing decisions




Forensic Chemistry


Book Description

Forensic Chemistry illustrates what forensic chemists do and helps students interested in the field of forensic science learn the fundamentals of their new career. For researchers interested in applying their work to forensic science, this book should serve as a bridge between laboratory science research and the practical needs of working forensic chemists.