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Failure Analysis Expert Witnesses

When a component cracks, a coating delaminates, a weld gives way, or a circuit board degrades in service, the resulting commercial dispute almost always turns on one question: why did it fail? Manufacturers pursue suppliers over out-of-specification castings, resins, and electronic assemblies, owners and operators sue equipment makers and maintenance contractors after turbine, boiler, piping, or rotating equipment failures, and insurers and their insureds contest whether a loss arose from a covered peril or from wear, corrosion, or a latent defect. Construction and infrastructure projects generate parallel disputes over failed water mains, building enclosures, and structural components. Each of these cases requires a disciplined, evidence-based account of the failure mechanism, because the answer determines who bears the cost.

A failure analysis expert reconstructs the failure from the physical evidence, using fractography, metallography, electron microscopy, chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and finite element modeling to identify the mechanism and its origin. That work distinguishes among fatigue, overload, stress-corrosion cracking, wear, improper heat treatment, material substitution, design deficiencies, and operating conditions outside specification, which often maps directly onto the competing positions of supplier, manufacturer, installer, and operator. Proper evidence handling and testing protocols are essential, since destructive testing can consume the very evidence both sides need. The resulting opinions establish liability and causation in warranty, indemnity, contract, and subrogation claims, define the scope of affected products for damages, and allow counsel to rebut an opposing expert whose conclusions outrun the physical evidence.

Failure analysis spans metallurgy, polymers, ceramics and glass, electronics, structures, and tribology, so the right expert is one whose laboratory and field experience matches the material and failure mode in dispute. The engineers we present include a Fellow of ASM International who has testified on weld, corrosion, and galvanized steel failures, a metallographer retained by a government regulatory commission to critique a study of a nuclear reactor component, and a seat and restraint specialist whose work on commercial airline crash performance contributed to a stronger seat strength requirement. Our network also includes specialists in plastics failure and injection molding, fracture mechanics and remnant life analysis, high-temperature coatings for turbine components, and corrosion of electronics and marine equipment, many with extensive testimony records. Drawing on more than 75,000 expert searches for litigators, Round Table Group can help you identify the failure analysis expert your matter requires. Let us help you find the right fit by calling us at (202) 908-4500.

Kinds of Cases We Work On

Round Table Group helps our clients find a wide variety of Failure Analysis expert witnesses for cases like:

01

Metallurgical Lab Sued Over Misidentified Fracture Cause

A pipeline operator sued the metallurgical failure analysis laboratory it retained to investigate a pipe rupture after the lab's certified report attributed the failure to external corrosion, a finding a second review found inconsistent with the fracture surface evidence. We identified experts with experience in metallurgical failure analysis, fractography, and pipeline material science. The expert's re-examination of the fracture surfaces identified a manufacturing defect as the actual cause, supporting the operator's claim against the lab.
02

Forensic Engineering Firm Faces Suit Over Report

A corporate defendant sued the forensic engineering firm it retained in an underlying product liability case after the firm's failure analysis report was excluded for exceeding the scope of its engagement, contributing to an adverse verdict. We identified experts with experience in forensic engineering methodology, failure analysis reporting standards, and expert witness engagement scope. The expert's review of the engagement letter confirmed the report exceeded its bounds, supporting the defendant's malpractice claim.
03

Aerospace Component Failure Investigation Splits Contractor, OEM

An aircraft component manufacturer and its subcontractor disputed a failure investigation's conclusion that a turbine blade fatigue failure resulted from a manufacturing defect rather than an operational overstress condition the OEM argued fell outside the subcontractor's design responsibility. We identified experts with experience in aerospace failure analysis, turbine blade fatigue mechanics, and aircraft component design standards. The expert's fractographic analysis confirmed the manufacturing defect, supporting the OEM's contribution claim.
04

Automotive Failure Analysis Firm Sued Over Miss

An auto parts manufacturer sued the failure analysis firm it retained to investigate a wave of component failures after the firm's certified root cause finding was later found to have overlooked a batch-specific material defect that a broader sample would have revealed. We identified experts with experience in automotive component failure analysis, materials sampling methodology, and root cause investigation standards. The expert's expanded sample analysis confirmed the batch defect, supporting the manufacturer's claim against the firm.
05

Electronics Failure Analysis Lab Blamed for Defect

A consumer electronics manufacturer sued the electronics failure analysis laboratory it retained to investigate a pattern of device failures after the lab's certified root cause report missed a solder joint defect later identified through an independent teardown. We identified experts with experience in electronics failure analysis, solder joint reliability testing, and printed circuit board inspection standards. The expert's teardown analysis confirmed the defect was detectable using standard methods, supporting the manufacturer's claim.
06

Structural Failure Analysis Firm Faces Collapse Suit

A building owner sued the structural failure analysis firm it retained to investigate a partial roof collapse after the firm's certified report attributed the failure to snow load alone, a finding a second review found inconsistent with evidence of a connection design defect. We identified experts with experience in structural failure analysis, building connection design, and forensic structural engineering. The expert's re-analysis identified the connection defect as a contributing cause, supporting the owner's claim against the firm.
07

Failure Analysis Equipment Maker Sued Over Defect

A materials testing laboratory sued the manufacturer of its failure analysis testing equipment after a calibration defect in a fatigue testing system caused a batch of test results relied upon in client reports to be systematically inaccurate. We identified experts with experience in materials testing equipment calibration, fatigue testing standards, and laboratory quality assurance. The expert's calibration audit confirmed the defect, supporting the laboratory's breach of warranty claim.
08

Insurer Disputes Contractor's Failure Analysis Data Integrity

A property insurer sued a general contractor alleging the failure analysis report the contractor submitted to support an insurance claim for a structural failure contained fabricated inspection data that misrepresented the actual condition of the failed component. We identified experts with experience in structural failure analysis, forensic data verification, and insurance claim investigation standards. The expert's review of the underlying inspection records confirmed the fabrication, supporting the insurer's fraud claim.
09

Failure Analysis Testing Standard Dispute Reaches Arbitration

Two industrial equipment manufacturers arbitrated a dispute over whether a competitor's failure analysis testing protocol for a shared component standard met the accuracy requirements specified in their joint industry testing agreement. We identified experts with experience in industrial testing standards, failure analysis protocol design, and equipment reliability testing. The expert's protocol review confirmed the standard was met, resolving the dispute in the competitor's favor.
10

Pipeline Failure Analysis Contractor Faces Suit Over Delay

A midstream operator sued the failure analysis contractor it retained to investigate a pipeline rupture after the contractor's certified investigation timeline missed a regulatory reporting deadline, exposing the operator to a costly penalty. We identified experts with experience in pipeline failure investigation, regulatory reporting timelines, and forensic engineering project management. The expert's timeline review confirmed the contractor's delay caused the missed deadline, supporting the operator's claim.

Here are a few of our favorite Failure Analysis Expert Witnesses:

Indiana Casualty, Failure Analysis Expert #1986

I have 25 years of experience, and specialize in the field of boiler systems with specific knowledge in the area of combustion. I have published on such topics as cogeneration.

 

Wisconsin Design, Failure Analysis Expert #7263

I have 22 years of experience, and specialize in the field of plastics with specific knowledge in the areas of failure, design and processing. I have published on such topics as failure of plastics, injection molding of plastics and design of plastics. I have testified 12 times on topics such as failure of plastics parts, proper design of plastics and manufacturing of plastics.

 

Michigan Failure Analysis Expert #14950

I have 28 years of experience and specialize in the fields of intellectual property and product liability litigation, as well as product development with specific knowledge in the areas of patent infringement/non-infringement, patent validity/invalidity, automotive components, automotive systems, electrical, electronic and computer systems, product liability, crash analysis, safety, sensors, black boxes, and litigation. I have published on such topics as patents, trademarks, trade secrets, intellectual property, and patent infringement and validity litigation, product liability, automotive crash and safety, electrical, electronic and computer. I have testified 38 times on topics such as intellectual property, patents and product liability litigation, patent infringement,…

 

Colorado Power Systems, Failure Analysis Expert #16566

I have 22 years of experience and specialize in the field of electrical power systems, with specific knowledge of engineering, standards and failure analysis.

 

Massachusetts Failure Analysis Expert #17679

I have 25 years of experience, and specialize in the field of finite element analysis with specific knowledge in the areas of rotating equipment and process equipment.

 

Your Case Deserves The Best Failure Analysis Expert Witnesses

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The right expert witnesses and consulting experts can make your case. That’s why we have spent so many hours over the past quarter century making sure our clients have just the right expert team — whether one expert or many, early-stage advice or expert reports and testimony. Across over 50,000 expert search assignments, we have honed a unique, customized approach to identifying, analyzing and connecting with expert talent so you can focus on winning your case.

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Indiana Failure Analysis Expert #18507

I have 38 years of experience in the field of civil engineering, with specific knowledge of construction, building problems, and soils and foundations. I have published on such topics as construction education, hydrology and drainage, and expert systems.

 

Colorado Failure Analysis, Fracture Expert #19190

I have 25 years of experience, and specialize in the field of materials science with specific knowledge in the areas of failure analysis, ceramics and glass. I have published on such topics as ceramics, fracture and processing.

 

Illinois Fracture, Failure, Elasticity Expert #19346

I have 24 years of experience, and specialize in the field of metallurgy and materials engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of fracture, mechanical behavior and fatigue. I have published on such topics as mechanical properties of materials, piezoelectricity and diversity in engineering and science. I have testified on fracture, patented components and diversity issues.

 

Texas Fracture, Failure Expert #20952

I have 27 years of experience and specialize in the field of stress analysis, with specific knowledge of fracture mechanics, failure and finite element methods. I have published on such topics as fracture mechanics, aging and remnant life analysis.

 

Pennsylvania Failure, Stress, Wear, Tribology Expert #21619

I have 25 years of experience and specialize in the field of stress and failure analysis, with specific knowledge of solid mechanics, thermal mechanics, and wear and tribology. I have published on such topics as fracture mechanics, thermal shock, and wear and coatings.

 

Indiana Microstructure, Wear, Failure Expert #22562

I have 15 years of experience, and specialize in the field of machining with specific knowledge in the areas of material science, failure analysis and research and development. I have published on such topics as primary author, secondary author and sole author. I have testified 50 times on topics such as failure analysis, wear and safety design.

 

Tribology, Failure Analysis Expert #25818

I have 16 years of experience, and specialize in the field of engineering materials with specific knowledge in the areas of wear and friction, coatings, and failures

 

Energy, Conservation, Failure Expert #26198

I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of thermal insulation systems with specific knowledge in the areas of spray polyurethane foams, cellulose fiber insulation and various other products. I have published on such topics as performance of thermal insulations. I have testified on field failure – moisture originated. Currently creating an industry consortium on new integrated building enclosure systems

 

New York Failure Analysis Expert #24369

I have 39 years of experience, and specialize in the field of metallurgical engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of failure analysis, high temperature metallurgical processing and high temperature coatings. I have published on such topics as simultaneous diffusion coating of external airfoil surfaces and internal serpentine cooling passages, heat treat cycle reduction for nickel base superalloys and cost effective replacement of pack cementation aluminide and chromide coatings for aeroderivative abd IGT hot zone components. I have testified on failed aluminum alloy ladder, failed aluminum alloy culvert and failed 96″ diameter watermain.

 

Michigan Inspection, Failure Analysis Expert #26705

I have 30 years of experience in the field of mechanical engineering, with specific knowledge of home inspection, home design and home system failure. I have published on such topics as home inspection methods, home safety and automotive design. I have testified on mold remediation.

 

Wisconsin Failure Analysis, Forklift Expert #28469

I have 27 years of experience, and specialize in the field of mechanical engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of failure analysis, stress analysis and finite element analysis. I have published on such topics as finite element analysis. I have testified on truck component failures, construction equipment failures and fuel piping failure and fire.

 

Mississippi Fire, Failure, Wreck, Expert #28760

I have 48 years of experience, and specialize in the field of engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of fire, accident and driving under the influence. I have published on such topics as fire, accident and collision reconstruction. I have testified 75 times on topics such as fire, accident and driving under the influence. I am a professor of engineering and statistics. I have been involved in Fire Department operations for 40+ years.

 

Texas Damage, Failure Expert #36506

I have 11 years of experience, and specialize in the field of structural engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of damage, failure and fracture of structures. I have published on such topics as damage under blast loadings, damage of concrete and steel structures and failure of structures under extreme loading. I have been awarded several national and international awards for my work on damage and failure of structures and materials.

 

New Hampshire Building, Structure, Failure Expert #36878

I have 35 years of experience and specialize in the field of civil and structural engineering, with specific knowledge of construction defects, structural analysis and water and moisture damage. I have published on such topics as lead paint.

 

Florida Failure Analysis Expert #39331

I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of failure analysis with specific knowledge in the areas of glass, ceramics, and polymers. I have published on such topics as failure analysis, fracture of glass and ceramics, and composite design. I have testified on glass fracture.

 

Materials, Corrosion, Failure Expert #39843

I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of engineering failure with specific knowledge in the areas of materials, metallurgy and corrosion. I have published on such topics as metallurgy, engineering failure and maintenance. I have testified on engineering failure, corrosion and metallurgy. I have designed and managed innovative industry and academia postgraduate courses.

 

New York Failure Analysis, Design Expert #42338

I have 20 years of experience, and specialize in the field of mechanical engineering and industrial design with specific knowledge in the areas of design, failure analysis and manufacturing. I have published on such topics as vibrations, bone fracture and manufacturing. I have testified on failure of a desk-chair.

 

New Jersey Failure Analysis, Welding, Glass Expert #45251

I have 40 years of experience, and specialize in the field of metallurgy and materials engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of failure analysis, corrosion and standards and specifications. I have published on such topics as steel, castings and standards and specifications. I have testified on weld failure, corrosion failure and galvanized steel. I have been named a Fellow of ASM International recognizing lifetime achievement as one of “Best of the Best” in the field metallurgy and material engineering.

 

Massachusetts Failure Analysis, Polymers Expert #46091

I have 12 years of experience, and specialize in the field of mechanical engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of polymer mechanics, finite element analysis and failure analysis. I have published on such topics as computational modeling, material modeling and polymer mechanics. I have testified on polymer mechanics, failure analysis and computational modeling.

 

Georgia Failure Analysis, Investigation Expert #46592

I have 14 years of experience, and specialize in the field of multi-disciplined engineering and scientific consulting with specific knowledge in the areas of equipment/machinery failure, accident reconstruction, and product liability. I have published on such topics as electrical generator/battery failure, accident reconstruction and machinery/equipment failure. I have testified on battery failure, auto accident and product liability.

 

Illinois Metallurgy, Microscopy, Failure Expert #44107

I have 43 years of experience, and specialize in the field of metallography and failure analysis with specific knowledge in the areas of fractography, microstructural interpretation and physical metallurgy. I have published on such topics as metallography, failure analysis and fractography. I have testified on quality of soldered pipe joints, discrimination between wire drawing technologies and galvanized coating thickness versus service life. I was hired by a government regulatory commission to critique the study of the lower head of a nuclear generating station reactor as to how hot it got in service. I suggested that selective etching of the stainless…

 

Arizona Failure Analysis, Safety, Seats Expert #44752

I have 30 years of experience, and specialize in the field of engineering design with specific knowledge in the areas of machinery, occupant restraint systems and failure analysis. I have published on such topics as seat and restraint design and failure analysis, aircraft accident reconstruction and occupant restraint systems. I have testified 30 times on topics such as failure of safety systems, automotive collision reconstruction and occupant restraint systems. Member of a team comprised of industry experts that analyzed passenger injury and seat performance in commercial airline crashes which resulted in a rule change which now requires that stronger 16G…

 

Virginia Failure analysis, Civil law Expert #47755

I have 42 years of experience, and specialize in the field of engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of corrosion, metallurgy and mechanical design. I have published on such topics as corrosion, failure analysis, design reviews, crevice corrosion, galvanic corrosion, and stress-corrosion cracking. I have testified 6 times on topics such as fretting corrosion, corrosion of electronics, boating accidents, mechanical design, microbiological influenced corrosion, and laboratory data.

 

Michigan Metallurgy, Failure Analysis Expert #50349

I have 20 years of experience, and specialize in the field of materials science and engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of metallurgy, electron microscopy and mechanical property evaluation. I have published on such topics as crack propagation by fatigue in Nb-Si alloy, fracture behavior of dual phase sheet steel and deformation of magnesium and aluminum alloys. I have testified 10 times on topics such as fatigue failure of wires, microstructure of welded zone of aluminum and magnesium alloys, and fracture of metallic glasses.

 

Pennsylvania Investigation, Failure analysis Expert #53025

I have 17 years of experience, and specialize in the field of forensic engineering with specific knowledge in the areas of product design, manufacturing and device safety. I have testified 99 times on topics such as injury causation, product design and manufacturing defects.

 

Put Our Failure Analysis Expert Network to Work for You

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Our huge network of experts – eminent university professors and practitioners who have achieved renown as thought leaders in their fields – combined with unparalleled research capabilities puts the experts you need at your disposal when and where you need them.

If you’re a litigator or general counsel, we want to put this network to work for you and your clients. Let us know how we can help by calling us at (202) 908-4500 or filling out the form on this page. We’re so confident you’ll love what we do that unless you retain an expert we present there’s no charge!

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Questions Attorneys Ask About Failure Analysis Expert Witnesses:

Immediately after a failure, if possible, because evidence preservation, chain of custody, and agreed testing protocols often determine what can be proven later. Early involvement allows the expert to document the failure site, recommend which components to retain, and propose joint inspection and destructive testing procedures that reduce spoliation risk. It also helps counsel decide whether the matter requires a metallurgist, polymer specialist, electronics expert, or structural engineer.
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