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A “Toolbox” for Forensic Engineers

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Introduction 5<br />

Faulty<br />

Pressure Cap<br />

(Other Possible<br />

Cause)<br />

Leak to Outside<br />

Leaking<br />

Pump Seal<br />

Overheating Engine<br />

Figure 1.2 Fault tree diagram showing causal connections <strong>for</strong> an overheating<br />

automobile engine.<br />

Coolant<br />

Reservoir<br />

Coolant Level<br />

Too Low<br />

Broken Hose<br />

or Clip<br />

Pressure Cap<br />

(Other Possible<br />

Cause)<br />

Cracked<br />

Cylinder Head<br />

Internal Leak<br />

Figure 1.3 Simple diagram of the cooling system of an engine.<br />

Fan<br />

Radiator<br />

Engine Block<br />

Damaged Cylinder<br />

Head Gasket<br />

a faulty pressure cap (Figure 1.3). There are several dotted lines on the fault<br />

tree that indicate other possible causes (which might be peculiar to a particular<br />

model of a certain make of car). Fault tree diagrams are useful because<br />

they place analysis on a systematic footing, and give a mechanic or fitter a<br />

logical path to follow during examination. Each failure mode will exhibit<br />

well-defined features, so if inspection of the engine near the cooling hoses<br />

shows one point where there are dried traces of impurities from the cooling<br />

system, then the adjacent hose will need further, much closer examination.<br />

With machines in which the working principle is totally known or if the<br />

principle of operation is known in outline <strong>for</strong>m only, it is often possible to

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