Summary
Providing engineering, metallurgy, and mechanical testing services related to structural integrity, damage, failure, and fire/explosions of components. We have thirty years of experience solving mechanical problems, analyzing the precise cause of failure by quantifying the relative contribution of design errors, materials and fabrication defects, and operating conditions. O’Donnell Consulting Engineers has successfully served in both Plaintiff and Defense cases, including several recent cases, each in excess of $30 million.

Description
Using finite element computer analyses, metallurgy, and mechanical testing, we provide results and testimony that are based on facts, and not just opinions. We have successfully used finite element analysis in litigation in State and Federal Courts, presenting analysis results in a way that complex technical issues are easily understood by judges and juries. Our expertise includes:

Industrial - pipes, pumps, valves, compressors, castings, assemblies
Commercial - vehicles, trucks, power tools, appliances
Recreational – exercise equipment, playgrounds, consumer products

Team
We are a team of multidisciplinary engineers and materials scientists, focused on providing effective design and repair solutions utilizing sound engineering principles and state-of-the-art computer technology. The firm has developed excellent communication skills giving expert witness testimony on complex technical issues.
Dr. William J. O’Donnell is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, listed in Engineers Joint Council “Engineers of Distinction”, Association of Engineering Societies “Who’s Who in Engineering”, Marquis’ “Who’s Who in Science and Engineering”, Marquis’ “Who’s Who in the World”, and has received Carnegie Mellon University’s Distinguished Achievement Award. Dr. O’Donnell has seven patents on processes and devices which have been used in numerous plants worldwide. He is an internationally recognized expert in failure causation analysis.

Dr.Behzad Kasraie, P.E. has more than 25 years of professional experience in the areas of thermal, structural, fatigue, creep, and finite element analysis. Dr. Kasraie has served as the lead engineer in litigation involving materials, design, fabrication, and use issues. These include determining the cause of an explosion of an air compressor, and evaluating the structural integrity of a coke oven battery. Dr. Kasraie holds several patents, and is known for his published technical articles covering engineering, design, and materials issues related to structural integrity.

Dr. Thomas P. O’Donnell, P.E. has performed thermal, structural, fatigue, creep, and finite element analysis of numerous components. He has served in a lead capacity in cases involving sports equipment, refractory structures, mechanical equipment, valves, and water towers. Dr. O’Donnell’s technical papers on design, and materials issues related to structural integrity have established him as an expert in failure causation evaluations. O’Donnell Consulting Engineers also employs recognized failure analysis experts in the areas of Civil Engineering, Metallurgy, Structural Engineering, and fires/explosions.

We can refer lawyers/agents to experts in other technical areas where we do not have specialized expertise. Attorneys find it worthwhile to obtain an early independent assessment of the technical merits of their case. Please feel free to call to discuss any issues of interest to your litigation.