Keywords
thermal radiation
smoke contamination
critical temperature line
polymer materials
restorative repair
economic feasibility
How to Cite
Abstract
The article is dedicated to the study of the specifics of determining the scope and cost of restoration repairs for vehicles located in the zone of hazardous fire factors in underground parkings without direct flame contact. The relevance of the work is driven by the prevalence of vehicle damage resulting from thermal radiation, elevated temperatures, and smoke — the consequences of which are often underestimated during standard damage assessments. The purpose of the study is to justify a comprehensive approach to determining the technical feasibility and economic viability of restoration repairs for vehicles subjected to indirect fire exposure. The scientific novelty of the work lies in the justification of applying the “critical temperature line” as a tool for determining the scope of post-fire repairs for vehicles without direct combustion. The practical significance of the results consists in the formation of a methodological approach for the comprehensive assessment of thetechnical condition of vehicles after fire exposure and the determination of their restoration cost. The study applies methods of fire-technical analysis, automotive forensic examination, and material science research. The use of the critical temperature line method is proposed to identify vehicle zones where temperature exposure exceeded the permissible operational modes of electronic, electrical, and polymer components. The research includes the identification of polymer materials of damaged parts and an analysis of their thermal stability. The impact of smoke on the sanitary-hygienic condition of the vehicle is also evaluated. It has been established that a temperature of 70–80 °C is critical for most electronic systems (specifically the Supplemental Restraint System — SRS) and a significant portion of polymer materials. Conclusions. It is proven that even in the absence of visible signs of combustion, a vehicle may sustain hidden damages that affect its safety and reliability. It is shown that the cost of full restoration repairs for such vehicles can amount to approximately 50% of their market value, which calls into question the economic feasibility of the repair.
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