Metals Expert Witnesses

Dr. Charles R. Anderson has long specialized in the Characterization of Surfaces, Interfaces, Thin Films and Coatings. Since 1972 he has applied surface and near-surface analysis techniques such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS or ESCA) and Auger microprobe to the solution of surface chemistry and coating problems. He worked for the U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin Laboratories prior to starting his own laboratory in 1995.

Dr. Anderson served as an officer of the ASTM Committee E-42 on Surface Analysis and as U.S. Expert on several sub-committees of the ISO Technical Committee 201 on Surface Chemical Analysis. He especially enjoys integrating the results of multiple analytic techniques (surface analysis, thermal analysis, FTIR, SEM/EDX, optical microscopy)to solve tough materials problems.

Dr. Anderson has extensive experience in materials science as a result of solving the materials problems of many industries with the aid many analytical techniques. He is available to provide Expert Witness Services for legal matters involving Materials Failure, Intellectual Property Theft, Misrepresentation, Failure to Meet Contract Specifications, Materials Identifications and Characteristics, or Quality Issues. To ensure the accuracy and integrity of his testimony, Dr. Anderson and his staff independently analyzes the relevant materials in most cases.

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Keith M. Cianfrani, MAS, CRSP, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, the founder and owner, has over 30 years of aviation experience. He is a master army aviator, aviation safety officer, commercial pilot, instructor pilot, and was an accident investigator for the U.S. Army Safety Center.

Background - Mr. Cianfrani is rated in both rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft. As a safety officer, he has managed safety programs in organizations with over 100 aircraft stationed throughout 5 states. Mr. Cianfrani is currently an instructor for Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and Kansas State University. He is also presently attending Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) as a PhD Student in Aviation Science.

Mr. Cianfrani is a certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and has also worked in the civilian, commercial aviation industry. He has been flying for companies such as Petroleum Helicopters, Damin Aviation, Keystone Helicopters, Island Helicopters, and Chopper 6 and Chopper 3 in Philadelphia. He also has experience in the flight for life, aero medical evacuation industry.

Litigation Support - Keith Cianfrani specializes in Human Factors and Material Failure in Aviation Accident Investigations. He serves as an aviation safety consultant for the Federal Aviation Administration and FIT. An IS-BAO Certified Safety Auditor, he provides safety evaluations in accordance with Federal Aviation Regulations. His services are available nationally and internationally and include written reports, depositions, and trial testimony as needed.

Areas of Expertise:

Pilot / Crew Performance Human Factors Maintenance Environmental Factors Meteorological Factors

Safety Training Material Factors Aviation Accident Reconstruction FAA Regulatory Compliance Safety Audits

View Keith Cianfrani's Consulting Profile.

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. Our offices are located in Tallahassee, Jacksonville and Venice working in almost every state in the United States, including Alaska. 

Areas of Expertise:

• All Areas of Accident Reconstruction - Including Automobile, Tractor-Trailer, Motorcycle/Bicycle & Pedestrian
• Engineering Consulting
• FARO 3-D Scanning
• Black Box Downloads
• Construction Zone / Roadside Safety
• Industrial Equipment
• Failure Analysis
• Product Design
• Product Development
• Material Handling System
• Biomechanical Analysis
• Slip / Trip / Fall
• Computer Animation, Electronic Graphics

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 and our name has since changed to B.E.C. Consulting, LLC. 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 Controllability Material Handling Patent Infringement

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

David Neagley, AIA, Architect: Over thirty-two years of architectural design and construction administration experience with all building types, including educational, medical, R&D, corporate, commercial, custom residential, multi-family housing, military and industrial projects, totaling over 12.4 million square feet. Emphasizing use of durable, low maintenance materials including stainless, copper, bronze, zinc, cement-fiber, plastics, composites, specialty sealants & industrial paints.

Building Reconstruction Specialist: Reconstruction design, details and specifications focused on solving complex construction problems and developing effective repairs for commercial and institutional buildings. Services include design for waterproofing, flashing, exterior finishes, roofs, decks, windows, and remediation of mold, wood rot, corrosion and structural damage.

Construction Industry Expert: Visual inspection, intrusive testing, defect analysis, repair recommendations and forensic expert services for both plaintiff and defense parties. Specialized knowledge of construction materials, industry standards, code compliance, waterproofing, vapor transmission, exterior finishes, corrosion, condensation, ventilation, mold, wood rot, suspended ceilings, interior partitions, and structural issues.

Edward S. George PE, has over 30 years of experience in the field of Product Liability and Failure Analysis.

Mr. George earned his BS and MS degrees from the University of Florida Department of Materials Science and Engineering, graduating with a specialty in metallurgy. He is a licensed professional engineer in the State of Florida. Mr. George is a member of The National Society of Professional Engineers, The American Welding Society, The National Association of Forensic Engineers, The Florida Engineering Society, American Water Works Association, and The International Society for Fall Protection.

Mr. George has experience in a variety of material failures including Metals, Polymers, Plastics, Composites, Ceramics, Glass, and Porcelain.

Litigation Support - A court-qualified expert, Mr. George has over 13 years of experience and has testified in depositions and trials. His forensic training is complemented by his industrial experience including:

• Heat Treating of Metals
• Welding and Joining of Materials
• Materials Testing and Evaluation
• Quality Control and Assurance
• Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopic Techniques
• Destructive and Non-destructive Physical Testing
• Laboratory Equipment and Procedures

View Edward George's Consulting Profile.

Arun Kumar, Ph.D. has 34 years of experience in Metallurgy, Materials Science and Failure Analysis of Metallic and Non-Metallic Materials at Rockwell International, Hughes Aircraft Company and EAG Laboratories. He manages and supervises approximately 17 engineers and technicians performing a variety of analytical services and failure analysis.

Dr. Kumar provides metallurgical consultation, performs failure analysis and serves as an expert witness in product liability trials involving materials failures. He has extensive experience in metallurgical failure analysis of aircraft, helicopter, automobile and motorcycle components, machineries, medical implants, machine tools and household appliances.

Daniel Mahr, PE, is a specialist in the Engineering and Design of Dry Bulk Material Handling Systems. He is an expert in the supply, handling, blending, and processing of a wide range of bulk materials ranging from alumina to wood chips.

Mr. Mahr is experienced in ports and terminals, the power, transportation, mining, steel, and process industries. He has managed large or technically demanding projects handling bauxite, coal, biomass, minerals, and other bulk commodities. As president, Mr. Mahr is responsible for all corporate activities of Energy Associates. On construction assignments, he has served as a technical representative and monitored technical/contract compliance.

Mr. Mahr’s project assignments are located throughout the United States and have taken him to Argentina, Bahamas, Canada, Colombia, Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia, Philippines, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Venezuela. He is a member of ASME, NSPE, and SME. He is the past chair of ASME's Fuels and Combustion Technology Division and was the chair of the Fuel Storage, Handling, and Transportation Technical Committee for several years.

Litigation Support - Daniel Mahr provides technical services in instances for breach of contract, dispute resolution, equipment failure, and litigation investigation. His expertise is available to counsel representing both Plaintiff and Defendant.

Areas of Expertise:

Bulk Material Handling Unloading / Loading Stacking Reclaiming Crusher Weighing Belts / Conveyors Ports / Terminals

Frac Sand Fires / Explosions OSHA Codes and Standards Fluidized Bed Combustion Blending Bulk Solids Handling Transportation Biomass Products & Technology Power Engineering

View Daniel Mahr's Consulting Profile.

Engel Metallurgical LTD engineers and metallurgists offer laboratory testing services to determine Material Performance and Material Performance Expectation. All tests are performed according to government and/or applicable industrial standards, including ASTM, military, and other specifications.

Engel Metallurgical clients include attorneys, insurance company representatives and members of a broad range of industries, including chemical, agricultural, aviation, power generation, construction, transportation and manufacturing.

Litigation Support - Attorneys requiring reliable information rely on Engel Metallurgical. Les Engel and his team of specialists sort through intricate details of structural and material failures, accidents, manufacturing defects and other unexpected incidents that lead to lawsuits, with involvement from initial discovery through court appearances, if necessary.

In 2003, Engel Metallurgical earned ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA). This accreditation officially recognizes Engel Metallurgical proficiency in quality and details, and helps ensure that its findings will carry more weight in clients’ litigation cases.

Engel Metallurgical Ltd. is listed with the Minnesota Association For Justice (formerly Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association) as an expert in the field of metallurgy. Their engineers have extensive experience with deposition and trial. Their high ethical and scientific standards complement our expertise in providing sound, unbiased opinions on technical issues, including:

Inspection: Equipment and Components Inspected on Site

Failure Analysis:

Root Cause Failure Mode

Photographic Documentation Fracture Evaluations

Product Evaluation:

Quality Control Efforts Reverse Engineering Materials Certification Product Claims, Product Recalls Corrosion Resistance Coatings Selection

Product Replacement Non-destructive Testing Procedures Literature Searches US / Foreign Specifications Equivalents Material Property Design Limits

Principal, Lester P. Engel, Jr., PE, is a Metallurgical Engineer with over 40 years of experience leading the company's detailed, quality-focused testing and services. He oversees the company's lab, continually adding new equipment and techniques.

Mr. Engel also has experience as the chief metallurgist for Brown Boveri Turbomachinery and as a metallurgical engineer for the Aircraft Engine Group of General Electric, where he focused on material selections for hot aircraft and marine gas turbine components. His GE career began in Nuclear Systems Programs, where his work included serving as the principal investigator on three NASA programs.

Les Engel specializes in materials application, failure analysis, R & D program management, materials and process specifications, engineering standards and procedures, laboratory design and operation, data analysis and personnel, and budget management. He continues to personally perform failure analysis on aircraft and land turbines, generators, boilers, steel products, metals, cermets, plastics, and other materials.

With high ethical and scientific standards, Les Engel offers sound, unbiased expert analysis and testimony on technical issues. He provides expertise to insurance companies and counsel representing both plaintiff and defendant.

James A. Brusso, PhD, PE, has more than 20 years of experience in processing/properties of materials, materials characterization and behavior, materials specifications, mechanical testing, failure analysis, machining of materials, and laboratory design and operation. He is also Engel Metallurgical's Technical Manager and Quality Manager.

Dr. Brusso brings keen expertise to Engel Metallurgical and its clients, performing failure analysis; rendering expert opinions, giving depositions and testimony for litigation support; providing technical support for materials and process development and improvement; and developing and reviewing various product designs, materials, and process details.

Dr. Brusso has worked with Engel Metallurgical since 2000. Prior to that, he held several positions with The Timken Company in Ohio, where his responsibilities included establishing the company’s machinability testing laboratory, team leader for product development projects, managing the company's application metallurgical laboratory, and providing technical review of internal processing and testing standards to satisfy ISO 9000 / QS 9000 registration.

View Engel Metallurgical's Consulting Profile.

Envista Forensics is a global leader in Forensic Engineering & Recovery Solutions. They provide Cause & Origin, Failure Analysis, Fire and Explosion Investigations, Accident Reconstruction, Damage Evaluations and Equipment Restoration Services following disasters of all kinds. Envista has offered Consulting Services to the insurance, legal and risk management industries, as well as businesses, public entities, and universities for over 25 years. Their Experts travel globally from 30 offices located across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the U.K., Australia and Singapore.

Envista's experience counts when equipment, systems, structures, or data have been threatened by catastrophe or litigation. Their experts and advisors determine cause and responsibility, and identify the nature and extent of damage or loss and provide a full range of solutions to protect their assets. Envista's technical professionals are trusted advisors and industry leaders. Their expertise is broad and deep, capable of withstanding all forms of scrutiny. Envista's services are available globally so that certainty is assured no matter where in the world it is needed. As the recovery from disasters has grown more complex, Envista has developed a comprehensive array of services to help their clients and has associates located around the globe to provide assurance no matter the type of loss or location of the disaster.

Envista helps attorneys quickly get to meaningful answers on the many technical issues at the center of a dispute. Their engineers have decades of experience working with both defendants and plaintiffs. They offer effective Expert Witness Testimony, with the ability to communicate effectively, build rapport with juries and judges, and maintain adherence to structured, methodical approaches in drawing conclusions are all extremely critical. Envista Forensics understands how critical the selection of an expert can be, and we understand what makes experts effective. Their court qualified experts have extensive experience providing expert testimony on a wide variety of engineering and technical matters.

Areas of Expertise:

Aviation & Aerospace Biomechanics Construction Defects Digital Forensics Electrical Injury & Electrocutions Causation Chemical Computer / Network Equipment Failure Construction Defect Disputes over Reparability of Damage Electrical Failure Equipment Restoration Fire & Explosion Analysis Equipment Restoration

Industrial / Manufacturing Equipment Materials Failure Mechanical Accidents Mechanical Failure Medical / Laboratory Equipment Product Failure / Liability Project Management Structural Failure Subrogation Utility & Energy Valuation of Structures or Equipment Vehicle Accident Investigation Workplace / Premises Accidents

View Envista's Consulting Profile.

John A. Williams, PhD, MBA, PE, has led EPS, a full-service Engineering firm, for over 23 years, delivering engineering, procurement, and construction management services (EPCM).

Background - Dr. Williams' operations experience began in 1977 as a USW union equipment operator and his engineering experience has ranged from manufacturing operations, detailed design, failure analysis, cost estimating and finance, and construction. He has instructed project management, cost estimating, financial evaluation methods for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and American Society of Mechanical Engineers since 1996. He has authored and presented across technical topics and has received awards for his distinguished engineering work.

Litigation Support - Dr. Williams provides expert witness services to attorneys representing plaintiff and defendant. Recent Expert and Litigation Support services have included technology investigations, assessments, licensing and dispute resolution; forensic investigation of explosions, fires, and equipment failures; valuation and appraisals in ad valorem taxation, depreciation, obsolescence, and determination of fair market value, liquidated, and business interruption damages.

Dr. Williams performs forensic investigations, technology assessments, and financial valuation services on the following:

Explosions Fires Industrial Accidents Oil & Gas Production Equipment Oil Refining Failures Chemicals Plastics Steel Making

Biofuels Cellulose / Cellulosics Gasification / Wind Glass Making Power Generation (boilers, steam, turbines, etc. Energy Systems (gas, oil, coal, renewables) Biotechnology (citric acid, succinic acid, enzymes, etc. Renewable Energy Facilities

ESWL© Consulting Expertise Services is an Consulting Company specializing in the area of Welding & Weld Overlay Cladding Technology, Metallurgy & Corrosion, Design of Weldments and Computational Welding Mechanics (CWM). ESWL© has over 30 years of International Expertise in Worldwide projects including Marine Loading Systems for liquefied natural gas (LNG )and others liquid products (Oil, LPG, Suffer liquid … etc.), with Ambient, high or cryogenic temperature Service and Weld Overlay Cladding for the corrosive service of the Wellhead Equipments. 

Emile Layer is a Welding Engineering & Weld Overlay Cladding Expert and a Member of the FMC Technologies Inc. International Trim© Clad Expert Committee. 

Services Include:

• Materials Selection and Evaluation
• Welding & Weld Overlay Cladding
• Quality and Audit
• Welded Joints Design
• Development of Welding Procedure Specification (WPS & PQR)
• Corrosion & Prevention

Inspection:

• Third-Party Witness Inspection
• Welders Performance Qualifications (WPQ)& Welding Procedure Specification (WPS & PQR
• Compliance with Relevant Codes Specifications
• Review of Subcontractor’s (WPQ /WPS /PQR)
• Witness Tests for Third-Party Inspections Companies

Dr. David W. Riley is an Extrusion Analysis & Plastics Rheological Consultant. Dr. Riley has spent over nineteen years as a consultant in the field of Plastic Processing. He has over forty years of experience in developing Polymer Defect Technology and fifteen years in developing the field of Plastic and Polymer coefficient of friction related to the feed section of the extruder.

Areas of Expertise:

• Expert Witness
• Analytical Instrumentation Adaptation to Processing Equipment
• Friction Analysis
• Melt Rheology
• Extrusion Equipment: Design & Analysis of Production
• Telecommunication Cables and Insulation
• Power Cables and Testing XLDPE
• All phases of PVC Compounding & Extrusion
• Thermal Stability of Polymers
• Surface Chemistry, Metals & Polymers

T. Rao Tipirneni has a M.S. in Metallurgy from Stevens Institute of Technology, with approximately 40 years of experience in Metallurgical Failure Analysis. He has been President of Long Island Testing Laboratories, Inc., specialists in Aerospace Metallurgical Testing, since 1985.

Litigation Support - Mr. Tipirneni provides expert testimony to counsel representing both plaintiff and defendant. His services include laboratory testing, written reports, depositions, and trial testimony as needed.

Areas of Expertise:

Inconel Turbine Blades Fasteners Automobile Engine Parts Boat & Aircraft Parts Weld Joint Failures Corrosion Pipe Failures

Accident Failures Ladders Hammers Hip Implants Rail Road Car Wheels Springs

Design and Forensic Engineering for Conveyors and Bulk Materials Handling Systems, We specialize in the design of materials handling systems and conveyors of various types including: belt, roller, slider, overland, pipe, steep angle, screw, drag, bucket elevators and pneumatic. We also design the specialty mobile machines, (track, rail, and wheel mounted) such as: stackers, reclaimers, snow loaders, mobile screening plants, self-unloading trains, self-unloading ships, ship unloaders and shiploaders. Our clients are both Plaintiffs and Defendants.

Some of the standards considered are: Belt Conveyor Manufacturers Association – CEMA, Safety Standard for Conveyors ASME B20.1,OSHA & MSHA

Areas of Expertise:

• Conveyor Fires and Explosions
• Conveyor Guarding
• Conveyor Injuries
• Conveyor Product Liability
• Restraint of Trade
• Patent Infringement
• Real Estate Asset Appraisal Conveyor Systems
• Antitrust

Dr. Richard F. Lynch has over 35 years of industrial experience in all areas of Metallurgical and Material Forensic Investigations, including 11 years with a major metals producing and processing company. He serves as an Expert Witness / Consultant on Steel, Nonferrous Metals, and Non-Metallic Materials. 

As a U.S. patent holder, Dr. Lynch has authored and/or presented over 60 technical papers on the properties and uses of galvanized steel, cast and wrought non-ferrous and ferrous products, pretreatments for painting metallic surfaces, product development and ASTM standards. 

Dr. Lynch's client base includes attorneys and companies requiring failure analysis, metallurgical testing, or assistance with end product manufacture, metallurgical processing, casting, galvanizing, zinc production, surface treatments, metallurgical process licensing, international metals research and market research. 

Areas of Expertise:

• Fracture
• Corrosion Failure
• Galvanized Steel
• Ferrous
• Nonferrous
• Polymers
• Composites
• Paint Failure
• Standards / Specifications
• Failure of Structural Materials, Fabricated Products, Fuel Tanks
• Surface Preparation
• Metal Pretreatments & Painting of Galvanized Steel