Mechanical Failure Analysis
Mechanical Failure Analysis and Forensic Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical breakdowns can cause expensive downtime and raise questions about what went wrong. In Florida and nationwide, a failed machine part, an unexpected shutdown, or a machinery-related injury can quickly turn into an insurance claim, a dispute, or a safety review.
Forensic Engineering Experts provides forensic mechanical engineering services to determine why a failure or incident occurred. Our mechanical forensic engineers evaluate physical evidence, operating conditions, and system performance using established engineering methods and relevant standards. Our credentials include NAFE, ACTAR, SAE, and ASHRAE, and our evaluations consider applicable safety requirements such as OSHA, ANSI, and ASME.
With our services, you will receive findings that support prevention, compliance, or case strategy. Our mechanical failure investigation process starts with an initial examination of the available case material, followed by an inspection and analysis, with key facts being shared along the way. Request an initial review and tell us what equipment or system is involved.
Forensic Mechanical Analysis Overview
Forensic mechanical analysis is the investigation of mechanical components, equipment, and operating processes to determine why a malfunction or incident occurred. The work focuses on root cause determination, contributing factors, and documentation that supports next steps.
Our team evaluates both equipment condition and how the system was operated. We support matters involving equipment failure, system performance concerns, process risks, and incident sequence review in automotive, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and HVAC.
Typical areas of review include:
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Component condition and damage patterns related to defects, fatigue, wear, corrosion, thermal stresses, or misuse
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System performance factors such as efficiency, load capacity, and operating limits
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Process workflows, automation, and interactions between mechanical components
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Safety requirements and controls, including guarding and lockout/tagout practices
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Applicable codes and standards, including OSHA, ANSI, and ASME
Mechanical Failure Analysis Services
Equipment Failure Analysis
We investigate failed mechanical components and equipment to identify why the failure occurred. Our review focuses on defects, fatigue, wear, corrosion, thermal stresses, and misuse.
Typical outcomes include a defined failure mode, contributing factors, and advice on how to avoid repeat failures.
Mechanical System Performance Evaluation
We evaluate mechanical systems for efficiency, load capacity, and fit with expected operating parameters. This helps confirm whether a system was operating within its intended limits at the time of the event.
Mechanical Process Analysis
When failures involve workflows or automation, we review the process and how mechanical components interact. The goal is to identify design issues, operational hazards, and conditions that can lead to breakdowns or incidents.
Machinery Safety Assessments
We evaluate mechanical systems against applicable safety requirements such as OSHA, ANSI, and ASME. This can include review of guarding, lockout/tagout practices, and other hazard controls tied to the equipment involved.
Mechanical Accident and Incident Reconstruction
We apply engineering principles, human factors, and data analysis to examine mechanical failures, crashes, or injuries. This service focuses on what happened, why it happened, and what factors contributed.
Code and Standards Compliance
We review systems and equipment against the relevant codes and standards for the situation. The objective is to identify compliance gaps and document how they relate to performance, safety, or to the event being investigated.
Root Cause Determination
We combine mechanical, material, and operational findings to determine root cause. This includes connecting the physical evidence to system use and process conditions, so clients can act on the results.
Industries We Support
Mechanical failures and process issues can occur across many types of operations. Our mechanical forensic engineering team supports investigations in the industries below.
Automotive Mechanical Failure Analysis
We investigate vehicle-related mechanical failures and evaluate the incident sequence when mechanical performance is part of an event. This may involve component condition, system performance, and root cause findings that support claims and case strategy.
Manufacturing Equipment Failure Analysis
We analyze equipment failures and how production processes and automation interact with mechanical components. When needed, we also review safety controls such as guarding and lockout/tagout practices against relevant requirements like OSHA, ANSI, and ASME.
Construction Equipment Failure Investigation
We evaluate mechanical systems and equipment involved in incidents on job sites, focusing on how the system was operating and what conditions contributed to the outcome. Our work can include failure analysis, safety assessments, and standards compliance reviews.
Agricultural Equipment Failure Analysis
We support investigations involving farm machinery and equipment failures, as well as farm accident scenarios where mechanical performance is a factor. Our background in agricultural machinery helps us connect our mechanical findings to real operating conditions.
HVAC Failure Analysis
We investigate HVAC-related mechanical issues tied to performance, wear, misuse, or operating limits. Our analysis can also address standards and documentation needs when HVAC equipment is part of a failure or incident.
Mechanical Failure Investigation Process
Our phased approach supports efficient case management and cost control while allowing the scope to adjust as new facts appear. We share key facts with our clients throughout investigation so they can make informed decisions at each step.
Phase 1 - Initial Review
We review the case files to understand the background, the services requested, and the materials provided. This first step helps define the scope and confirm whether our team is a good fit for the job.
Phase 2: Initial Inspection
We complete an in-person inspection to document conditions and collect the data needed. The goal is to preserve key observations and gather the information required for the analysis.
Phase 3: Analysis
We evaluate the evidence, research, and inspection findings using engineering principles to determine the cause and contributing factors.
Phase 4: Written Report
A written report is provided upon the client’s request.
Phase 5: Expert Witness Testimony
Our mechanical engineers provide mechanical engineer expert witness testimony for depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and trials nationwide, with clear and well-supported opinions.
Meet the Experts
John Thomazin
MSME, PE, DFE
Mechanical Engineer
Shane W. Niemann
PE
Mechanical Engineer
Why Choose Us
When a mechanical failure or incident leads to a claim, dispute, or safety review, you need forensic mechanical engineering work that is thorough and easy to follow.
Farm-based start around equipment
John Thomazin and Shane W. Niemann grew up working with machinery, where proper tools and efficient processes matter.
Broad engineering background
Our experience in structural analysis, consulting, and engineering education supports careful evaluations and clear documentation.
Clear, phased workflow
We begin with file review, move to inspection, then analysis, and share key facts as the work progresses.
Expert witness capability
Testimony support for depositions, mediations, arbitrations, and trials, serving clients nationwide from Florida.
Standards and credentials
Evaluations may reference OSHA, ANSI, and ASME requirements, supported by certifications such as NAFE, ACTAR, SAE, and ASHRAE.
Communication that keeps cases moving forward
We set expectations early and explain technical findings in clear terms for clients, counsel, and other stakeholders.
Testimonials from Our Clients
Clients turn to us when they need clear, focused engineering work on difficult matters. The feedback below reflects the level of detail, professionalism, and communication they experience on their cases.