Posted on June 26, 2013
When considering the fields of professional engineering, many in the general public are confused by the designations – material science and engineering (MSE) compared to metallurgy or metallurgical engineering. In relation to the more well- known disciplines of engineering, e.g., civil, mechanical and electrical, these materials fields have traditionally had many fewer practicing professionals and […]
Posted on May 29, 2013
Most realize that damage due to corrosion of metals is costly – but what specifically is that cost and what is included in the total? A study completed in 2002 sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE International) and implemented by CC Technologies Laboratories (now part of DVN) […]
Posted on March 27, 2013
A licensed professional engineer (P.E.) is required to adhere to a Code of Ethics for Engineers in all work he undertakes. However, there are some special criteria when employed as an expert witness. As in all their work – in litigation or not – the P.E. is obligated to only take on work for which he […]
Posted on February 28, 2013
In many cases making a decision involving the choice between competing design alternatives is best done by computing the life cycle cost (LCC) of each alternative. This is especially true when future costs associated with a given option are large and the required service life is long. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this […]
Posted on January 31, 2013
This blog entry is decidedly more personal compared to the other items written in the series. These thoughts were developed while preparing for some tasks I’ll be doing through a professional engineering society as a community outreach. I volunteered to give some brief talks to local area K-12 school classes to encourage the students to consider […]
Posted on December 31, 2012
Pitting is a classic form of localized corrosion that often is found in a wide range of applications. It can occur on plain carbon steels but it is found much more frequently on alloys that form robust protective (or passive) films. Examples of these materials include many stainless steels, plus many copper, aluminum and nickel […]
Posted on September 30, 2012
This form of material degradation and the factors that affect its control involve both mechanical and material parameters. The material damage mechanism consists of high speed, repetitive interaction between a material surface and a liquid such that bubbles alternately form and implode. This creates major, concentrated impact forces at the material – liquid interface. The […]
Posted on August 31, 2012
Four primary techniques are used for limiting corrosion rates to practical levels: Material Selection Coatings Cathodic Protection Chemical Corrosion Inhibitors Material selection entails picking an engineering material – either metal alloy or non-metal – that is inherently resistant to the particular corrosive environment and also meets other criteria. Variables that will affect corrosion are established […]
Posted on July 31, 2012
The working relationship between the attorney and their expert witness in a case can be more effective if a few simple guidelines are followed. These are common sense things but one or more can be overlooked in the frequent day-to-day rush that busy attorneys face. When that happens some of the potential contributions from the […]
Posted on June 18, 2012
Too frequently an attorney will begin to seek a potential expert witness only after having done considerable initial work. Often there is a last minute rush to locate and select specialized technical assistance. These approaches can have expensive consequences. Alternatively, securing a suitable expert early in the litigation process offers the following advantages for the […]
