Ethics and Engineering Presented By: Jeff Smith Greg Thurston Allen Taylor

Engineering Disasters Space Shuttle Challenger Explosion Ford Pinto Design Flaw Apollo I Fatal Fire

The Challenger January 28, 1986 seven astronauts were killed in an explosion. O-Rings failed to create a seal causing fuel from the side burner to burn through the external fuel tank. Improper temperature testing of the O-Rings and rushing the launch against the suggestion of engineers are prime factors in the cause of this tragic mishap.

Violation of IEEE Ethics Failure to accept responsibility in making decisions consistent with the safety, health, and welfare of the public, and to disclose promptly factors that might endanger the public or environment. To be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data. To seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to acknowledge and correct errors.

Ford Pinto Late 60’s Ford desired the manufacturing of a car no heavier than 2000 lbs. and not a cent over $2000 After development it was discovered that if the Pinto was rear-ended at a speed of 30 mph the fuel tank would rupture and spew fuel everywhere. A 40 mph collision would cause the doors to buckle and the passengers would be trapped inside to burn alive. If safety concerns were brought up the engineer would be fired due to production delays.

Violation of IEEE Code of Ethics Failure to accept responsibility in making decisions consistent with the safety, health, and welfare of the public, and to disclose promptly factors that might endanger the public or environment. To be honest and realistic in stating claims or estimates based on available data. To seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work, to acknowledge and correct errors. To avoid injuring others, their property, reputation, or employment by false or malicious action.

Apollo I January 27, 1967 during a pre-launch test a fire ignited killing three astronauts. A sour smell detected from an astronauts suit and a master alarm indicated an elevated oxygen level. Electrical malfunction with the combination of the oxygen level started the fire. Hatch design prevented the escape of the astronauts.

Conclusion All of these engineering disasters could have been prevented if the engineers and/or management would have followed the ethical guidelines set forth for the prevention of situations such as these. Sometimes doing what is right may come at a great cost for example, in the Pinto scenario, your job. Seeing as how our design involves electrical and mechanical components public and environmental safety could very well be an ethical issue that we may have to consider. All in all we have a great code to work by and hopefully we all will choose to do what is moral and just.