Expert Details
Mechanical Engineering
ID: 732984
California, USA
Prior to attaining his doctorate in aerospace engineering at the University of Florida, he founded and operated C-Tech Racing, a business involved in automotive fabrication and racing, specializing in forced induction (turbocharger) and performance engine systems. He has published papers on fluid dynamics, advanced thermodynamics, and autonomous vehicle safety.
He is a licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer and an ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician (commonly known as a master mechanic).
He has taught college courses in thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and advanced energy systems.
Expert has expertise in aerospace engineering with particular experience in propulsion systems and fluid systems design. His doctoral work on cryogenic turbopump cavitation focused on the space shuttle main engines, and was funded by NASA. This experimental research led to an update to the fundamental modeling of a special class of fluids that includes cryogenics, liquid salts, high-pressure gases, and liquid metals and semi-metals.
His professional work on turbomachinery includes experience in design and failure analysis on a range of equipment, from automotive turbochargers to multi-megawatt stationary power generation turbines.
He is a licensed Professional Mechanical Engineer and an ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician (commonly known as a master mechanic).
He has taught college courses in turbines and aerospace propulsion systems, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and advanced energy systems.
He has published papers on rocket engine cavitation and cryogenic thermofluids.
Expert has expertise in fluid dynamics, thermal science, flowpath design, rectification, and chemical distillation of alcoholic and distilled beverages. His experience as an engineer includes chemical reactor design, alcohol extraction, distillery equipment design, and fluid handling technology.
His professional experience includes Chief Technology Officer for Noble AB, a company that produces an advanced reactor for rapid maturation of distilled spirits. He has deep knowledge of the the equipment and processed used in alcohol production, distillation in pot (batch) and column (continuous reflux) modes, aging, wood chemistry, and sensory chemical compounds including aromatics and wood extractions.
He is a licensed Professional Mechanical engineer and is experienced with boiler and pressure vessel codes as well as explosion-proof equipment, controls, and electronics used in modern alcohol production environments. He has designed distillation equipment for small and medium-sized beverage producers.
Specializes in the analysis of products and systems in the automotive, thermal design, consumer product, and industrial environments. His work includes investigations of technical issues related to vehicles, liquid and gas flows, consumer appliances, and consumer electronics. He has particular expertise in automotive component design, especially associated with the engine and powertrain systems - including fuel, ignition, cooling, braking, and drivetrain systems.
His mechanical and aerospace engineering background includes extensive experience in laboratory-based testing and experimental design, advanced manufacturing processes, and rapid prototyping - including a seven month deployment to Afghanistan for the U.S. Army’s Rapid Equipping Force to engineer and manufacture technology solutions directly to soldiers.
At Exponent, Expert conducts investigations of failures in ground vehicles and passenger cars and trucks, thermal design issues including industrial heat transfer, consumer appliances, and lithium ion battery failure in devices such as consumer electronics and aircraft. He often performs large-scale testing and analysis in support of his testimony as an expert witness in litigation.
Education
| Year | Degree | Subject | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year: 2012 | Degree: Ph.D. | Subject: Aerospace Engineering | Institution: University of Florida |
| Year: 2007 | Degree: B.ME. | Subject: Mechanical Engineering | Institution: Auburn University |
Work History
| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2012 to 2017 | Employer: Exponent | Title: Senior Consultant | Department: Thermal Sciences |
Responsibilities:Expert conducted investigations of failures in ground vehicles and passenger cars and trucks, thermal design issues including industrial heat transfer, consumer appliances, and lithium ion battery failure in devices such as consumer electronics and aircraft. He often performed large-scale testing and analysis in support of his testimony as an expert witness in litigation. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2009 to 2012 | Employer: University of Florida | Title: Graduate Research Assistant | Department: Aerospace Engineering Department |
Responsibilities:Expert was a Research Assistant in the Combustion and Propulsion Laboratory at the University of Florida where he performed research funded by NASA for the Constellation program. His doctoral work focused on cavitation in liquid rocket engines with an emphasis on the Space Shuttle’s Main Engines (SSME). |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2008 to 2009 | Employer: NASA FUNDED | Title: Research Engineer | Department: R&D |
Responsibilities:Prototyped combustor and heat exchanger designs for an experimental machine that convertsorganic matter into waste heat, charcoal and combustible gas - Designed and tested mechanical systems including instrumentation, augers, gaseous fuel systems and thermal insulation. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2008 to 2008 | Employer: Neptune Technology Group | Title: Mechanical Engineer | Department: R&D |
Responsibilities:Worked with a principal engineer designing new flow meters including measurement systems,flowpath design, and cast metal and plastic injection molded case design and failure testing - Participated in field testing and setup, supplier sourcing, and long-term project management. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2006 to 2007 | Employer: Auburn University | Title: Machinist and Instructor | Department: Mechanical Engineering |
Responsibilities:Directed manual and CNC machining, boring, honing, grinding, plasma cutting, welding andother machine shop operations. - Instructed all engineering undergraduate students and shop users in operations and safety. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2005 to 2006 | Employer: BF Goodrich | Title: Engineering Co-op | Department: Rubber Development |
Responsibilities:Independent and team-based design of rubber processing and tire pressing including fabricweaving, rubber mixing, conveyor systems and steam, pneumatic and hydraulic machinery - Collaborated with maintenance engineers performing safety/reliability analysis, design and bidding jobs on machine alignment, bearing grinding, and pneumatic PLC systems. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2002 to 2008 | Employer: CT Racing | Title: Owner | Department: Product Design |
Responsibilities:Founded a business that designed turbocharger induction systems, camshafts, and fuel systems and assembled, tested and tuned race cars- Led all product design and fabrication including machining, welding, assembly, dynamometer testing, inventory, and shipping - Traveled doing trackside consulting and onsite install/testing of company products - Performed all business roles including finance and payroll, facilities, purchasing and sales. |
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| Years | Employer | Title | Department |
| Years: 2017 to 2018 | Employer: self employed | Title: Principal Engineer | Department: Consultant |
Responsibilities:Design and prototyping consulting for the sustainable energy, automotive, space, and industrial equipment industries. Failure analysis and engineering forensics for fires, explosions, equipment failure, insurance loss, subrogation, and legal cases. Testing and product development. IP and patent development. Safety and regulatory standards compliance. |
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Government Experience
| Years | Agency | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years: 2013 to 2013 | Agency: US Army- Rapid Equipping Force | Role: Prototyping Engineer | Description: Prototype engineering in Afghanistan for the US Army. |
International Experience
| Years | Country / Region | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Years: 2013 to 2013 | Country / Region: Afghanistan | Summary: As a prototyping engineer for the Rapid Equipping Force, developed tactical solutions for soldiers and operational units in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was deployed alongside both conventional Army and Special Operations Forces. Technical aspects of the work include 3D printing, high-speed CNC machining, metal fabrication, electronics and embedded microcontrollers, wireless communications, and repair of tactical equipment and machines. Projects included soldier-worn systems; vehicle modifications; weapon systems modifications; Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) systems; Force Protection systems. |
Career Accomplishments
| Associations / Societies |
|---|
| Member, Green Racing Committee, Society of Automotive Engineers International Member, Engine Power Test Code Committee, Society of Automotive Engineers International American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (member) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (member) Society of Automotive Engineers (member) American Welding Society (member) National Fire Protection Association (member) |
| Licenses / Certifications |
|---|
| Licensed Mechanical Engineer, California, California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician (CMAT) Combat Firearms Familiarization, American Firearms Training and Tactics Fire Investigation 1A Certification, accredited by the California State Fire Marshal Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator in accordance with the National Association of Fire Investigators (NAFI) National Certification Board per NFPA 921 Section 11.6.4 |
| Professional Appointments |
|---|
| Adjunct Faculty, Department of Mechanical Engineering, San Francisco State University |
| Awards / Recognition |
|---|
| American Welding Society Fellowship Award, American Welding Society President’s Scholarship, University of Florida |
| Publications and Patents Summary |
|---|
| Expert has a number of refereed publications. |
Additional Experience
| Expert Witness Experience |
|---|
| As an expert witness, Expert has conducted investigations of failures in ground vehicles and passenger cars and trucks, thermal design issues including industrial heat transfer, consumer appliances, and lithium ion battery failure in devices such as consumer electronics and aircraft. He often performed large-scale testing and analysis in support of his testimony as an expert witness in litigation. |
| Training / Seminars |
|---|
| Expert has served as an instructor and teaching assistant in over 10 courses in mechanical and aerospace engineering including gas dynamics, propulsion, and machine shop operations at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. |
| Vendor Selection |
|---|
| Expert has completed bidding and engineering management to include vendor selection on myriad projects as an engineer for Michelin, Neptune Technology Group, CTech Racing, Exponent, Green Liquid and Gas Technologies, and the US Army Rapid Equipping Force. |
| Marketing Experience |
|---|
| As owner of CTech Racing, Expert performed marketing and advertising duties for this business. As a consultant for Exponent Failure Analysis, he marketed his personal expertise to dozens of companies, including Fortune 50 corporations, startups, automotive tier 1 and tier 2 manufacturers, venture capital firms for due diligence, and law firms f testimony. |
| Other Relevant Experience |
|---|
| Expert's wide range of experience as an expert generalist lends a breadth of knowledge and expertise sourced from significant commercial work in a multitude of fields. Beyond textbook engineering design, he has direct experience manufacturing, completing failure analysis, as an expert witness, and as a research scientist. |
Fields of Expertise
automotive power train, automotive catalytic converter, alternative fuel vehicle, calibration, automotive emissions-control technology, piston engine, power train, internal combustion engine, Otto engine, automotive diesel engine emission control specification, automotive gasoline-engine emission-control specification, automotive engine, rocket engine, cryogenic rocket propellant, regenerative pump, cryogenic fluid flow, cryogenic fluid, turbomachinery, turbocharger, rocket propulsion, jet propulsion, aeronautical propulsion, aerospace engineering, aerospace, alcoholic beverage, beverage technology, alcohol extraction, alcohol compound, distillery design, distillation column, continuous distillation, beer brewing, rum, scotch whiskey, whiskey, distilled spirit, prototype development, mechanical engineering analysis, heat transfer equipment design, automotive combustion, accelerated thermal life testing, analytical testing, high-pressure pump, heat exchanger manufacturing, electronic equipment thermal design, flow, fabrication, field-fluid interaction, valve design, pump, viscous fluid flow, mechanical computer-aided engineering, explosion, rapid prototyping, propulsion, fire investigation, camshaft