Vehicle Systems
Analyzed automobiles regarding brake failures, steering failures, transmission failures, lamp failures, truck rollover accidents and many other vehicle accidents. These investigations were focused on mechanical engineering factors of dynamics, control systems and engineering mechanics.
Batteries
Analyzed battery explosions that were caused by arcing within the battery case. Battery cases could have been designed so that if an electrical discharge within the case should occur and cause an explosion, the case would fail in a manner that would protect nearby persons from injury.
Brakes
Analyzed brake failures that were caused by loss of vacuum and by brake
pedal failures. It was shown that vehicles couldn't be stopped under certain circumstances when vacuum is lost to the power brakes.
Cruise Control
Analyzed engine controls regarding their potential to cause cars to accelerate out of the driver's control. This event is often called a "Sudden Acceleration Incident" in government literature. It was shown that malfunction of the Cruise Control system can often cause the engine of a vehicle to operate at wide-open throttle without the driver depressing the accelerator pedal.
Electronic Engine Controls
Analyzed engine controls regarding their potential to cause cars to
accelerate out of the driver's control. This event is often called, "Sudden
Acceleration Incident" in government literature. It was shown that
Electromagnetic Interference could cause the engine of a vehicle to operate at
Wide-Open Throttle without the driver depressing the accelerator pedal.
Seat Belts
Analyzed seat-belt reels and the location of seat belt anchor points for seat
belts. It was shown that improper location of the seat belt anchor points
could result in the occupant being subjected to large unbalanced compressive
forces upon their spine.
Steering
Analyzed steering failures caused by hydraulic pump failures and control
valve failures. It was found that failure of a spring within the servo valve
in the power steering control valve could cause the car to become unsteerable.Analyzed the explosive separation of multi-part truck rims.
Tires
Particular
emphasis was given to the mismatching of the truck tire rim and the retaining ring.
Transmissions
Analyzed transmissions for unexpected vehicle movement after the driver
placed the transmission in PARK. This condition is often referred to as
Illusory Park. Particular emphasis was focused on the lack of any warning
given to the driver that the vehicle was not safely constrained.
Crash Worthiness
Prepared crash reconstruction analyses for frontal and side-impact accidents
using the computer programs Edsmac and Edcrash. These programs have been used
to recreate and reconstruct both side and frontal impact collisions.