FRSC 2001 – Introduction to Forensic Science Technology II Professor Bensley Alfred State College
Definitions Arson Arson Accelerants Combustion reactions (oxidation) Combustion reactions (oxidation) Exothermic reactions Exothermic reactions Heat of combustion Heat of combustion Flash point Flash point
At the Scene of a Fire
Flashover VideoBackdraft Video
Submission of Evidence
Analytical Techniques Extraction – headspace or passive diffusion (static headspace) techniques Extraction – headspace or passive diffusion (static headspace) techniques Analysis – Gas Chromatography (FID or MS detectors) Analysis – Gas Chromatography (FID or MS detectors)
Gasoline Chromatogram
Diesel Fuel Chromatogram
Explosive Analysis Low explosives – rate of deflagration Low explosives – rate of deflagration Examples – black powder, smokeless powder Examples – black powder, smokeless powder High explosives – rate of detonation High explosives – rate of detonation Examples – TNT, RDX, C-4, ANFO… Examples – TNT, RDX, C-4, ANFO…
C4 Explosion Video
Analysis of Explosive Evidence Microscopy Microscopy Thin Layer Chromatography Thin Layer Chromatography Color Tests (Griess for nitrites e.g.) Color Tests (Griess for nitrites e.g.) GC/MS – not widely GC/MS – not widelyused FTIR FTIR