Keywords: automotive forensic engineering, forensic engineering examination, forensic engineering investigation, road accidents, accident causes, accident consequences, vehicle damage, vehicle deficiencies, automobile industry, automotive components, component failure, post–collision condition, vehicle braking, vehicle steering, vehicle suspension, vehicle wheels, vehicle tyres
Considerations in forensic examination of automotive systems
Automotive forensic examination is the systematical analyses of failed automotive components in the pursuit of and the identification of the cause(s) or root cause(s) of the physical damage or other disablement done to vehicle by collision. It comprises a combination of science, experience and some art by using the laws of physics, mathematics, engineering, etc. mixed with the expert's real–world automotive component background and expertise in the design, testing, development, manufacturing and maintenance. Automotive wheel systems are often blamed for causing accidents, but their complete and catastrophic failure is rare. Automotive forensic experts are asked to determine the most likely events that led up to and caused the given product to fail. These findings are often asked to fulfill specific time and cost constrains. This paper offers a systematic approach to forensic engineering investigation applied in the post–collision condition of automotive braking, steering and suspension, wheels and tyres.