Full Description
Now in its second edition, Forensic Investigation of Explosions draws on the editor's 30 years of explosives casework experience, including his work on task forces set up to investigate major explosives incidents. Dr. Alexander Beveridge provides a broad, multidisciplinary approach, assembling the contributions of internationally recognized experts who present the definitive reference work on the subject.
Topics discussed include:
The physics and chemistry of explosives and explosions
The detection of hidden explosives
The effect of explosions on structures and persons
Aircraft sabotage investigations
Explosion scene investigations
Casework management
The role of forensic scientists
Analysis of explosives and their residues
Forensic pathology as it relates to explosives
Presentation of expert testimony
With nearly 40 percent more material, this new edition contains revised chapters and several new topics, including:
A profile of casework management in the UK Forensic Explosives Laboratory, one of the world's top labs, with a discussion of their management system, training procedures, and practical approaches to problem solving
Properties and analysis of improvised explosives
An examination of the Bali bombings and the use of mobile analytical techniques and mobile laboratories
The collection, analysis, and presentation of evidence in vehicle-borne improvised explosive device cases, as evidenced in attacks on US overseas targets
This volume offers valuable information to all members of prevention and post-blast teams. Each chapter was written by an expert or experts in a specific field and provides well-referenced information underlying best practices that can be used in the field, laboratory, conference room, classroom, or courtroom.
Contents
The History, Development, and Characteristics of Explosives and Propellants. Physics of Explosion Hazards. Detection of Hidden Explosives. General Protocols at the Scene of an Explosion. Recovery of Material from the Scene of an Explosion and its Subsequent Forensic Laboratory Examination—a Team Approach. The Management of Casework within the United Kingdom Forensic Explosives Laboratory. Aircraft Explosive Sabotage Investigation. Evidence of Explosive Damage to Materials and Structures in Air Crash Investigations. Investigation of Gas Phase Explosions in Buildings. Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices. Investigation of Pipe Bombs. Improvised Explosives Characteristics, Detection, and Analysis. Quality and the Trace Detection and Identification of Organic High Explosives. Chromatography of Explosives. Analysis of Explosives by Mass Spectrometry. Analysis of Explosives by Infrared Spectrometry. Portable Explosive Detection Instruments. The Significance of Analytical Results in Explosives Investigation. Forensic Pathology of Explosive Injury. Presentation of Explosive Casework Evidence. Index.
