Forensic Investigations of Low-Clamp-Force Type Wheel Separations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51501/jotnafe.v41i1.900Keywords:
wheel separation, fastener, clamp force, studs, torque, fatique, deduction, induction, forensic engineeringAbstract
Wheel separations are a common non-operator cause of damage and injury in road transport systems. Forensic investigators are often engaged to determine why a wheel separated from a moving vehicle. In 100 investigations, the authors observed wheel separations due to axle, bearing, or fastener system failures. Fastener system failures dominate, and the authors show that low fastener clamp force is their necessary and sufficient condition. Examples of physical evidence of low fastener clamp force commonly found in forensic investigations are presented. The reasons for low fastener clamp force are explored using known wheel installation-to-separation times and distances, torque audits, and interface corrosion. From these, it is often possible to form a sound explanation for a low-clamp-force type wheel separation. Finally, wheel nut re-torquing is identified as a probable effective measure in preventing low-clamp-force type wheel separations.
References
Alcoa Wheels, “Behind the Wheels Podcast Episode 1: Inustry’s Darkest Secret,” 2020. [Online]. Available: www.alcoawheels.com. [Accessed 2020].
National Transportation Safety Board, “Medium/Heavy Truck Wheel Separations,” NTSB, Washington D.C., 1992.
R. Monster, “Wheel Separations from Commercial Vehicles: Experiences in Ontario,” in Proc. of the Canadian Multidisciplinary Road Safety Conf. XIV, Ottawa, 2004.
J. Turner, C. Koystra and R. Monster, “Assessment of Wheel Separations from Light-Duty Vehicles,” in Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals, Toronto, 2017.
National Highway Traffic Safety Association, “Engineering Analysis Closing Report EA11-001,” NHTSA, 2015.
H. Josephs, “Forensic Engineering Analysis of a Pick-Up Truck Wheel-Off Failure,” Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, vol. XX111, no. 2, pp. 85-97, 2006.
S. Batzer, “Forensic Engineering Analysis of a Fatal Trailer Wheel-Separation Failure,” Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, vol. 34, no. 2, pp. 45-58, 2017.
J. Leffler, “Forensic Engineering Investigation of Vehicle Wheel Separations,” Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, vol. 26, no. 1, pp. 11-45, 2009.
J. Woodrooffe, “Heavy Vehicle Wheel Separations: Exploring the Causes,” in 7th International Symposium on Heavy Vehicle Weights and Dimensions, Delft, 2002.
Office of Transport Safety Regulations, “Bus Safety Investigation Report,” Sydney NSW, 2009.
K. Flynn, M. Wolfe and J. Mustard, “Coroner's Investigation of Deaths Due to Truck Wheel Separations,” in Proc. Canadian Multidisciplinary Road Safety Conf. X, Toronto, 1997.
Bowie v. Kemp-Car Ltd, 2007 NSSM 86, 2006.
Weatherall v. Seaba, 2008 ABQB 689, 2008.
Regina v. Transport Robert (1973) Lte, Court of Appeal for Ontario, 2003.
Ontario MOT v. Ryder Truck Rental Canada Ltd., Court of Appeal for Ontario, 2000.
Young v. Donway Ford Sales Ltd., Ontario Supreme Court, 1995.
Kosy v. Peyre Chrysler Ltd., 2007 ABQB 766, 2007.
Burrill v. Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd., 26276 Ontario Superior Court, 2006.
M. Bailey and J. Bertoch, “Mechanisms of Wheel Separations,” SAE Technical Paper 2009-01-0111, 2009.
J. Parisen, “Automobile Wheel Attachment Design Considerations,” SAE Technical Paper 820340, 1982.
H. Josephs, “Forensic Engineering Overview: Threaded Fastener Joint Reliability and Failure,” Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers, vol. 18, no. 2, pp. 78-103, 2001.
P. Herrick, The Many Worlds of Logic, New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.
A. Hausman, H. Kahane and P. Tidman, Logic and Philosophy A Modern Introduction, Boston: Wadsworth, 2010.
J. Whitesitt, Boolean Algebra and its Applications, New York: Dover, 2010.
K. White, D. Desautels and R. Merala, “Driver Perception of a Loose Left Rear Wheel,” SAE Technical Paper 2010-01-0050, 2010.
J. S. Mill, A System of Logic, Ratiocinative and Inductive, New York: Harper & Brothers, 1882.
M. Bailey, “When Wheels Separate,” The Advocate Magazine, pp. 92-97, November 2012.
Technical Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Association, RP 222 User’s Guide to Wheels and Rims, Washington DC: Technical Maintenance Council of the American Trucking Association, 2019.
Additional Files
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
All rights © Journal of the National Academy of Forensic Engineers.
Full statement regarding the author's license of copyright to the NAFE is shown on the Copyright section of the Submissions Page.
