Mechanical Failure

William R. Acorn, P.E., FASHRAE, is principal and founder of Acorn Consulting Services, LLC (ACS). For over 30 years, he has been involved in the Engineering Analysis and Design of hundreds of projects ranging from Institutional Laboratories to Cleanroom Facilities for the semiconductor industry.

Mr. Acorn has significant experience as an Expert Analyst of System Design, System Failures, Code Compliance issues and Cause/Effect relationships of problems related to the built environment. Mr. Acorn has received numerous awards for technical excellence and is recognized for his technical achievements, innovation and foresight by peers, associates and clients in the advanced technology industry.

Mr. Acorn is an Adjunct Professor at Arizona State University; the author of the book Code Compliance for Advanced Technology Facilities; and a frequent lecturer to the industry and academia on a variety of technical topics related to building and cleanroom design, construction and project management.

Mr. Acorn is registered as a Professional Mechanical Engineer in the States of Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Texas and Utah. He is also registered with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

Forensic & Litigation Consulting

Analysis and evaluation of losses related to failed systems or other facility performance issues is provided on behalf of owners or attorneys. These services are provided with regard to deficiencies in HVAC Systems, Cleanrooms, Piping Systems, Refrigeration Systems, Construction Claims, Building and Fire Codes:

Litigation Consulting

Technical Analysis and Investigation

Claims Preparation and Analysis

Expert Testimony

Project Consulting

ACS assists their clients to optimize the outcome of new and retrofit facilities by providing a range of high level services including:

Strategic Planning: Conceptual Design; Feasibility Studies & Evaluations; Value Engineering

Facility Retrofit and Renovation Strategies

Program Management: Project Delivery Strategies; Selection of Design and Construction Teams

Design Consulting and Design Review

Code Compliance Analysis and Negotiation

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Albert Ferrari, P.E., C.S.P. is a Mechanical Engineer and Safety Professional experienced in both the micro and in the macro focus. Mr. Ferrari is particularly sensitive to reliability, safety, and function. His Forensic Engineering experience includes 25 years in Accident Reconstruction, Causal Analysis, Failure Analysis, Codes, Standards and Regulations, Consulting and Testimony.

Mr. Ferrari provides Expert Witness Consulting and Testimony services to Defense attorneys, Plaintiff attorneys, Claims adjusters and Insurance companies.

Engineering Work Includes:

Automotive Engineering

Pedestrian Facilities

Machine Design

Thermal and Mechanical Energy Analysis

Structural Load and Stress Analysis

Piping and Tanks

System Safety and Human Factors Analysis for Design of Hazardous Equipment

Evaluations Include

Cause of Injury, Loss and Damage

Adequacy of Products, System, Materials

Standard of Care of Design, Use, Repair

Cause and Origin of Fires; Arson

Services Include:

Investigation and Consultation

Diagnostics, Testing and Analysis

Technical Photography and Video

Literature and Standards Studies

Codes and Regulations Analysis

Reports and Testimony

Evaluations

Degrees: Stanford Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics (Mechanical Engineering).

Specialties: Reconstruction of vehicular accidents; mechanical failure analysis; tire failure analysis; analysis of vehicle collisions and vehicle response to operator input; dynamics, impact and vibration; computer analyses of solids, fluids, and one-of-a-kind engineering mechanics problems; applied physics.

Qualifications:

Fifteen years of litigation experience.

Registered professional mechanical engineer in California.

List of 23 technical publications available.

Fluent speaker of Spanish.

Have worked for Failure Analysis, Exxon Production Research, the Uniroyal Tire Research Center, and Lockhead Missiles and Space.

Have taught engineering at Santa Clara University.

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New Jersey Office: PMB 4066 55 Madison Avenue - Ste 400 Morristown, NJ 07960 T: (973) 401-0010 F: (973) 401-0056

New Hampshire Office: Analytic Engineering 105 Juniper Ridge Road Gilford, NH 03249 T: (603) 293-4477 F: (603) 293-4142

Analytic Engineering combines Professional Engineering with Effective Communication. We offer Technical Analysis and Services in the Engineering field and provide experienced Expert Testimony to communicate the conclusions reached.

Engineering Services:

Mechanical Engineering Safety Engineering Vehicular Accident Reconstruction Failure Analysis Computer Animation

Premises Liability Patent Claim Analysis Product Design & Liabilty Product & Equipment Design Engineering Services

Steven R. Thomas, PE, the Principal Engineer at Analytic Engineering, earned his Bachelor of Science - Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical) at Widener University, Chester, PA in 1979 and a Master of Science in Engineering Science (Safety Engineering and Human Factors) at The New Jersey Institute of Technology in 1997.

Professional Experience: Steven R. Thomas, P.E. has worked for such organizations as General Motors, Thomas & Betts, General Cable and Breed Automotive Corporation. He has worked in the engineering fields of Research and Development, Product Design, Machine Design, Manufacturing, Industrial, Tooling, Safety, Facility Design, Failure Analysis and Accident Reconstruction. Since 1991 Mr. Thomas has worked as an Engineering Consultant in the Forensic field and has testified in numerous jurisdictions.

Argos Engineering's principal, Dr. John Pratt, has earned 32 United States patents during his 36-year career in the Aerospace Fastener and Latching Mechanism business. He has served as Chairman of several domestic and international committees dealing with aerospace hardware and design allowables. During this time he has led the development of many aerospace systems, including the terrorist-proof cockpit door decompression latches used on half of the world's fleet of commercial transport aircraft. Other successes include the Composi-Lok I and II and Visu-Lok II blind bolts, and cylindrical-body Wedge Lock product lines.

As Chairman of the Industrial Fasteners Institute Technical Committee for Aerospace Fasteners, Dr. Pratt helped lead efforts to draft FAA-TSO-C148, and subsequently received the first FAA approvals under that regulation. Dr. Pratt also served as International Chairman of ISO / TC20 / SC4 / WG8, the organization for standardization of aerospace rivets, blind fasteners, lockbolts, and threaded pin-collar fasteners (i.e., Hi-Lites). In this capacity many of today's standards for metric aerospace fasteners were established.

Dr. Pratt's expert experience includes testimony in several patent infringement and products liability suits, as well as extended testimony before the Federal Trade Commission.

Areas of Expertise

Fasteners

Latches

Decompression Mechanisms

Aircraft (and other vehicle) Structural Analysis

Aircraft Explosive / Rapid Decompression

Wind Loading on Buildings

Products Liability

Patent Infringement

Services Provided:

Litigation Consulting

Deposition and Trial Testimony

Inspections

Testing

Structural Analysis

New Product Development

B.E.C. Consulting, LLC was established in 1982. Since that time, we have provided top-level consulting engineering services and accident reconstruction to our clients; law firms, insurance companies, state and local agencies, manufacturing companies, and clients who are seeking product design analysis and other engineering related services.

Our engineers represent a broad range of engineering disciplines which enables us to work on a variety of cases using the team approach. The teams at B.E.C are comprised of Engineers, Technical Specialists, Graphics Specialists as well as Research and Administrative Personnel, so that each case is given personal attention and is handled efficiently and effectively. We are located in Tallahassee, Florida, but are active in AL, GA, MS, TN and SC. We have worked in almost every state in the United States, including Alaska.

Areas of Expertise:

All Areas of Accident Reconstruction

Failure Analysis

Product Design

Product Development

Product Delivery

Material Handling System

Computer Animation, Electronic Graphics and Video Reenactment

Every aspect of our firm is designed to serve our clients needs; conference rooms for mediations and depositions, a research and testing lab, secured evidence storage, facilities for expert inspections, and easy access to airport and hotel facilities for our out-of-town clients. We are truly a full service engineering firm.

Because of this team approach and a commitment to customer service, B.E.C. has attained regional and national recognition as a leader in forensic engineering services and new product development. This excellent example and tireless dedication to serving our client’s needs has resulted in a devoted client base and reputation second to none.

Dr. Charles Benedict, P.E. founded Benedict Engineering Company in 1982. He has over 35 years experience in the fields of product and machine design and analysis, vehicular accident reconstruction of all types, and product and system failure analysis. He has designed, developed, manufactured, and tested more than sixty different products and machine systems. Dr. Benedict is well respected in the fields of forensic engineering, product and machine system design and analysis and patenting.

Expertise:

Biomechanics Occupant Kinematics Vehicle Restraint Systems Vehicle Controlability Material Handling Patent Infringement

Automobile Accidents Pedestrian Accidents General Engineering Product Design Fire and Explosion Analysis Tractor / Trailer Accidents Electrical Issues

Dr. Jim Dobbs, P.E. is a principle in the organization and has been practicing forensic engineering for the past 12 years. He was a design/development engineer at General Electric for a decade prior to coming to BEC Consulting. He has extensive experience in product development and design and hold several patents. He is nationally known for metallurgical failure analysis and accident reconstruction. He has particular experience and knowledge with motorcycles and tractor-trailer accidents.

Expertise:

Metallurgy Medical Devices Railroad Accidents Seat Belts and Airbags Seatback Analysis Automobile Accidents

Pedestrian Accidents General Engineering Product Design Slip / Trip / Fall Tractor / Trailer Accidents

Dr. Brian Pfeifer, P.E. is also a principle with BEC Consulting, and has been practicing forensic engineering for over 15 years. He holds several patents on roadside safety devices and studied roadside safety at the University of Nebraska. He has considerable knowledge about maintenance of traffic plans and traffic engineering. He is equally knowledgeable about accident reconstruction, especially involving tractor-trailer accidents.

Expertise:

Roadside Hazards Vehicle Controllability Occupant Kinematics Roadway Design Guardrails and Bridges Biomedical Engineering

Automobile Accidents Pedestrian Accidents Tractor / Trailer Accidents Slip / Trip / Fall Product Design General Engineering

Dr. Ying Lu

Expertise:

Biomedical Analysis Occupant Kinematics Injury Causation Low Speed Accidents Recreational Injury Sports Injury General Engineering

Accident Reconstruction Pedestrian Accidents Bicycle Accidents Slip / Trip / Fall Product Design Ergonomics Human and Environment Interaction

Mrs. Traci Campbell, P.E.

Expertise:

Industrial Accidents Safety Analysis Product Design / Failure Analysis Slip / Trip / Fall Guarding / Warnings Workplace Safety Bicycles

OSHA Regulations Pedestrian Accidents Automobile Accidents Tractor / Trailer Accidents Fire and Explosion Theme Parks Airbag and Black Box General Engineering

Mr. Chris Yates, P.E.

Expertise:

Black Box Analysis Motorcycle / Bicycle Mechanical Design Product Guarding Design Fire and Explosion Seat Belt Analysis

Automobile Accidents Pedestrian Accidents General Engineering Product Design Tractor / Trailer Accidents Slip / Trip / Fall

Company Background:Coloney Bell Engineering provides consulting & engineering services to clients throughout the United States. With the combined backgrounds and experience of our principals and staff, we are able to respond to many types of engineering assignments.

Allow us to be your company for consulting and investigative engineering services.

Services

Structural Failures, Condition Assessment and Construction Issues/LITIGATION

Fire Origin and Cause Investigations

Heavy Equipment Failures

Machinery / Material Failures

Moisture Intrusion / Damage

IAQ Evaluation

CRASH / ACCIDENT Reconstruction

Storm Damage Evaluation

Sinkhole / Settlement Evaluations

Roof Systems, Stucco and EIFS Evaluations

Subrogation Analysis

Litigation Support

Eminent Domain / Land Planning

Our clients consist of insurance companies, claim adjusting firms, attorneys, law firms, large corporations, small businesses, production facilities and appraisal companies.

We work closely with numerous testing laboratories, specialized engineering firms, weather verification companies and other sources in order to provide our clients with accurate and professional information.

Gerald O. Davis, PE, President and co-owner of DM&ME, has over 40 years experience in Materials Usage, Corrosion, Metallurgy, Mechanical Failure, & Root-Cause Failure Analysis. His recent background includes work as a corrosion researcher, senior engineer and program manager for Battelle Memorial Institute, DNV, Inc., Henkels & McCoy, Inc., respectively and, since 2004, for DM&ME as an independent consultant. For (7) years he served as a mechanical engineer and maintenance/reliability engineer in a continuously operating chemical processing plant.

Mr. Davis provides services to a variety of industrial clients who desire outside help in his knowledge areas. Clients include those interested in targeted materials selection, prevention of equipment failure, or on-site short-course training for materials matters. Located in Central Virginia, he provides services across the nation.

Consulting Services Include:

• Industrial Root-Cause Failure Analysis and Consulting
• Metallic Materials Selection & Design Reviews
• On-site Evaluations and Recommendations for Preventing Unplanned Shutdowns
• Customized On-Site Materials Training
• Metallurgical Analysis
• Corrosion Control
• Welding Problems
• Mechanical Failure Analysis

View Expert Witness Profile.

Donan Engineering Co., Inc., a family owned company founded in 1947, provides full-service Forensic Engineering and Fire Investigation Services. For over 60 years, Donan Engineering has been providing unbiased answers to their client’s complicated questions. Their team of licensed and experienced forensic experts provides investigative services in the fields of engineering investigations, fire and explosion origin & cause, roofing investigations, and component testing. The diversity of their multidisciplinary staff allows them to provide not only a complete service, but a complete service whose conclusions can be successfully and completely supported.

Donan Engineering has become a richly diverse, industry leader with over 190 employees operating from 49 offices in 25 states including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, Nebraska,Louisiana, Texas, West Virginia, Virginia, and Oklahoma. Throughout their growth, Donan Engineering has maintained their commitment to providing exceptional customer service, unparalleled quality, unmatched integrity, and timely reporting. Most importantly, they pride ourselves on delivering their clients quality services at an affordable price.

Services Include:

Engineering Investigations
Bridges Foundations and Basements Geotechnical / Sink Holes Lightning Low and High Voltage Mechanical Systems Retaining Walls	Steel Construction Trusses Vehicle Mechanical Studies Vibrations: Earthquakes and Blastings Water Infiltration / Mold Wood Frame Construction
Fire / Explosion Origin and Cause Commercial Fires Equipment Fires Vehicle / Residential Fires	Roofing Investigations Commercial Residential - Asphalt Shingle Residential - Slate, Tile, Etc.
Heavy Trucks Motorcycles	Passenger Vehicles

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