How to Prevent Wind Turbine Gearbox Failures: Expert Insights from a Forensic Engineer

As the renewable energy sector continues to grow, wind turbines remain a central pillar of the industry. However, behind their towering blades and energy production is a complex mechanical system that can be prone to failure. As a forensic engineer, I’ve spent much of my career studying the failures...

From Incident to Courtroom: Forensic Engineering Insights for Attorneys Handling Forklift Cases

Forklifts are essential pieces of equipment used in warehousing, manufacturing, and construction environments. The operation of a forklift requires an operator with the proper training in lifting and positioning loads and maneuvering in areas where other employees are present. When operated in an...

The Importance of Third-Party Oversight in Oil & Gas Projects: Lessons from the Field

In the oil and gas industry, the risks are consistently high. The systems that are designed and deployed must operate under some of the most extreme conditions on Earth—thousands of feet underwater, under immense pressure, and/or in highly corrosive environments. The margin for error is thin, and...

Phase Changes – Like Changing Your Clothes, Only Cooler… or Maybe Hotter.

We were all first introduced to different phases of matter in elementary school science classes where we were asked to identify the examples of solids, liquids, and gases. I’m sure that I am not the only one whose teacher used an empty mason jar to exemplify “gases.”

Foundation Repairs: Three Ways to Get it Wrong

Foundation movement is one of the leading causes of unsafe conditions. To ensure safe foundation repair, avoid these costly mistakes.

Spring Showers Bring … A Wet Basement

For homeowners in many areas, spring showers don’t just bring green grass and beautiful flowers, but also a wet basement.  When water enters a basement, soaked carpets, wet wall coverings, and waterlogged baseball card collections stored in the basement are a common occurrence.

Demystifying Measurements - Or, Which Ton Are You Talking About?

In this article, Steven M. Lindholm, P.E., P.M.P., NAMS-CMS, explores confusing measurement units like the various "tons" (weight vs. volume in shipping), their maritime origins, and other arcane terms to clarify engineering and everyday usage.

Wildland Urban Interface & Mitigation Strategies

In this article Nels R. Peterson, P.E., M.S.C.E., explains the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), where homes meet wildland vegetation, and details proven mitigation strategies across three ignition zones to create defensible space and reduce wildfire destruction of structures.

Black Liquor Recovery Boiler 

Black liquor recovery boilers play a critical role in the Kraft paper process by recycling chemicals and converting waste into energy. The post highlights their design, operation, and how extreme conditions contribute to corrosion and cracking risks.

Building Evaluations/Repairs: Design Wind Speeds and Wind Pressures

Design wind speeds and wind pressures are often misunderstood during building evaluations and repairs. This post explains how code‑based wind calculations work and clarifies why newer wind speed maps do not automatically mean existing structures are non‑compliant.

Combustion Basics and Pitfalls

Combustion can seem complex, but the fundamentals are straightforward. This article explains how fuels and oxidants react, why proper fuel‑air ratios matter, and how burners control combustion. It also highlights common pitfalls, including explosive limits and system design issues, that can lead to unsafe or inefficient combustion.

Gearhead Quandary: Be Flat or Be Crossed?

In this article, Timothy B. Hatch, P.E., compares flat‑plane and cross‑plane V8 crankshaft designs, explaining how each affects engine sound, torque, RPM, and driving characteristics. Using real‑world examples, he breaks down the engineering behind the rumble of traditional V8s versus the high‑revving scream of exotic performance engines.