Fasteners Aerospace Engineering Expert Witness

Expert Witness No.2219

Professional Summary

Argos Engineering provides new product development consulting for the Aerospace Fastener and Aircraft Interiors industries, as well as litigation consulting in the areas of mechanisms, latches and fasteners.  

Before retiring as an aerospace industry executive in 2005, Expert 2219 co-invented and led the development of the post-9/11 secure (terrorist-proof) cockpit door decompression latches now installed on half the world’s fleet of aircraft. Previously Expert 2219 invented and commercialized the first viable blind fastening system for laminated composites. After 24 years, that system remains one of the most-used structural blind fasteners for composite airframe assembly.  Recent litigation consulting projects have included aircraft engine cylinder head bolt failure analysis, aircraft hanger wind-induced anchorage loss, and motor home retractable bunk mechanism analysis.

Expertise

Fasteners
Latching Mechanisms
Accident Reconstruction
Aircraft Rapid Decompression
Engineering, Structural
Failure Analysis
Kinematics Analysis
Mechanisms
Products Liability
Wind Analysis

Education

2001 University of California, Irvine
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, Structural Mechanics (Airframe Joint Behavior)

1998 California State University, Fullerton
M.S.M.E.

1996 California State University, Fullerton
B.S.M.E.

Litigation Support Experience

Comprehensive list available upon request.

Professional Experience

June 2005 To Present
An Engineering Company in California
Title:  Principal

Expert 2219 is the Principal of an Engineering Company which provides litigation consulting, deposition and trial testimony, expert reports and failure analysis. This  Engineering Company has relationships with local laboratories for in-depth mechanical testing and metallurgical analysis.  This Engineering Company offers litigation consulting and expert witness services in the following areas:
Fasteners and mechanically fastened joint failures
Latching mechanisms and latched joint failures, particularly aircraft structural latches
Wind-induced building damage
Aircraft rapid decompression
Mechanism kinematics and failure analysis
Metal forming (hot and cold forging) and processing (heat treatment, finishing)

August 2000 - June 2005
Organization Hartwell Corporation, Placentia, CA
Title: Vice President, Engineering

Summary Oversaw all new product development and engineering, including development of engine nacelle latches for the Airbus A380 and A318,, A400M, B787 and RJ700/900 Series aircraft. Also co-invented and led the development of the post-9/11 secure cockpit door decompression mechanisms presently in use on half of the world’s fleet of commercial transport aircraft.

March 1988 - August 2000
Organization: Textron Aerospace Fasteners, Santa Ana, CA
Title: Vice President, Research and Development (Started as Director R&D)

Summary Led the development of various solid shank and blind fastener systems. Founded Textron Sports Technology operation within TAF in 1995 and led that group until its relocation to a commercial Textron division in 1999

February 1979 - March 1988
Organization Monogram Aerospace Fasteners, Los Angeles, CA
Title: Engineering Manager Summary

Led the product development and standardization efforts.

Invented Composi-Lok (I & II), Visu-Lok II and other product lines, accounting for sales in excess of $250 million since 1983. Represented company at MIL-HDBK-5, NASC and other standardization activities

August 1969 - February 1979
Organization Olympic Fastening Systems, Downey, CA
Title: Sr. Project Engineer, R&D (Started as Drafter Trainee) 

Summary: Product development and manufacturing engineering activities, including fastener installation tooling and progressive header tooling. Designed hydraulic-pneumatic installation tools for Olympic’s and competitor’s product lines.

Professional Affiliations, Achievements & Awards

Professional Engineering License (Mechanical Engineering)
National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE/CSPE) 
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
American Society of Metals (ASM)
Society of Forensic Engineers and Scientists (SFES-Candidate)
Current Chairman of the finite element analysis working group (FEAWG) of FAA/DoD MMPDS--the handbook used by aircraft designers for allowable materials and joint properties

Patents & Publications

Available upon request.