King Professional Engineering, Inc.-Forensic Mechanical Engineering, Accident Investigations -Expert Witness Litigation Support- Mechanical Engineering Expert-Mechanical Failure Incidents

A thorough failure analysis of a mechanical failure must:

a. Determine the immediate mode of failure (fatigue, ductile overload, etc.).

b. Follow the trail back to the root cause of the failure (operator error, design defect, improper training, etc.

c. Determine if the failure is a cause or a result of the incident being investigated.

Mechanical Failures

The failure of mechanical equipment and devices can be due to a variety of causes which can be quite complex. Mechanical failures often occur as a consequence of a product deficiency, such as a design defect or manufacturing defect, or of negligence, such as overloading or improper operation and/or maintenance. Determination of the cause(s) of a mechanical failure is done through the process of failure analysis.

Mechanical Engineering Expert

-Mechanical Failure Incidents-

Mechanical Equipment Failure-Accident Investigation-Forensic-Expert Witness-Mechanical Engineering Expert, Forensic Engineering Expert, Failure Analysis Expert-Root-Cause Analysis, Mechanical Failure Expert-

Mechanical equipment and devices can fail by a variety of modes governed by established mechanical engineering principles.

A few illustrative examples may include:

•Fracturing (breaking/cracking) caused by ductile overload

•Fracturing due to brittle material

•Excessive deformation - stretching, bending, warping, etc.

•Overheating – often a cause or result of other failure modes

•Corrosion caused by weather, chemical exposure, contamination, water leaks, etc.

•Fracturing caused by fatigue (repeated “load” or use cycles)

•Defects in the casting or welding process

•“Creep”—sagging or deformation over time caused by excessive temperatures while a load is applied

•Normal or abnormal wear

•Lubrication failure – insufficient, improper, or contaminated lubricant which can cause overheating, abnormal wear, or jamming of moving parts

•Embrittlement caused by environmental exposure

•Jamming of moving parts caused by contamination, deformation, or incorrect dimensioning or fits

Results from the forensic engineering analysis of a mechanical failure can be used as a basis for expert witness testimony, to assist clients in evaluating litigation cases and insurance claims, or to facilitate a manufacturer’s efforts to make needed design improvements.

Houston Office: 4321 Kingwood Dr., Suite 26 Kingwood TX 77325

Thorough Investigations-Clear Communications

For our clients’ needs, we focus on high-quality custom-designed investigations and forensic mechanical engineering analysis with special emphasis on providing down-to-earth communication and clear presentation that you can use to resolve complex issues and communicate with others

—our goal is to make the complex comprehensible.

Email

Randall K. King, Ph.D., P.E.,

Dr. King is a licensed professional engineer and expert witness, who holds a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. He has over 33 years professional experience in mechanical engineering, product design, research & development, forensic investigation, and litigation support. Additionally, Dr. King holds 21 patents. More...

King Professional Engineering, Inc.

King Professional Engineering, Inc., a forensic mechanical engineering firm, provides litigation support services to both plaintiff and defendant clients with cases arising from incidents possibly caused to the mechanical failure of a mechanical equipment, device, or component(s). Results from the forensic engineering analysis of a mechanical failure can be used as a basis for expert witness testimony, to assist clients in evaluating litigation cases and insurance claims, or to facilitate a manufacturer’s efforts to refute liability claims or make needed design improvements.

Oilfield Equipment

Large Equipment

Consumer Products

Commercial Vehicle Accidents