On possible petrol ignition on М₁, М₁G car catalyst converters surface

Introduction. Forensic fire and technical examination of a car is of high demand, and at the same time it is one of the most complicated examinations, because of its complicated nature and need in involvement of experts of various specialties. The design of automobiles and their components is continually improving. In this connection the methodological base of fire and technical examination should be duly adapted to present-day requirement. The safety requirements for prevention of fuel ignitions in a motor cabinet of a car have been analyzed during the research. Materials and Methods. Under the conditions of an accredited laboratory specializing in testing automobile fuels and oils, we have carried out the experiments in ignition of K4-class petrol being fed in drops and stream-like fed on a hot surface. We have also undertaken the experimental studies in order to find out an actual temperature of elements of engine exhaust systems of М1 and М1G automobiles of various models under the actual operating conditions. A thermal imaging camera and a thermocouple have been used to measure the surface temperature of the engine exhaust system parts. An elemental composition of a film formed on a hot steel surface upon contact with petrol has been determined with the use of a scanning electron microscope Results. We have received the actual results on the temperature of the elements of light car exhaust systems under the various operating conditions. There are the results of experiments on the discharge of the petrol in the form of drops and stream on a hot surface presented in the article. An elemental composition of a film formed on a hot steel surface upon contact with petrol has been analyzed, and secondariness of film formation towards the fire cause has been proved. Conclusion. The results of the research could be used in the conduct of fire and technical examination of vehicles of М1 and М1G categories, what could increase reliability and validity of its conclusions.