ABSTRACT
Forensic engineering is a relatively new discipline in engineering that takes a systematic approach to failure, having an additional focus on managerial and legal aspects of failure. Semi-quantitative analysis is employed to identify investigative priorities and identify failure or operational features that require further study and analysis. Lessons derived from all forms of structural and equipment failure have been learned since the dawn of modern civilisation. Techniques and tools for investigating failure have been honed over time, by both scientists and practising engineers. The process of failure analysis often requires review and analysis of initial design calculations and modelling. Identification of the cause or causes of physical failure, of a component or system, is only the first element of a total investigation process. To deduce a train of events leading to the failure of a component or product, the forensic investigator will have a range of analytical techniques at hand.
