ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 September 2002
Page Count: 7

Boiling Point Measurement of a Small Amount of Brake Fluid by Thermocouple and Its Application
Mogami, K
National Research Institute of Police Science,

(Received 8 April 2002; accepted 22 March 2002)

Abstract

This study describes a new method for measuring the boiling point of a small amount of brake fluid using a thermocouple and a pear shaped flask. The boiling point of brake fluid was directly measured with an accuracy that was within approximately 3 C of that determined by the Japanese Industrial Standards method, even though the sample volume was only a few milliliters. The method was applied to measure the boiling points of brake fluid samples from automobiles. It was clear that the boiling points of brake fluid from some automobiles dropped to approximately 140 C from about 230 C, and that one of the samples from the wheel cylinder was approximately 45 C lower than brake fluid from the reserve tank. It is essential to take samples from the wheel cylinder, as this is most easily subjected to heating.

Keywords:
forensic science, criminalistics, automobile accident investigation, brake system trouble, brake fluid, boiling point

Paper ID: JFS15513J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15513J
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