Engineering Analysis

Stone Engineering Incorporated: providing reasoned technical analysis and opinion in support of the insurance, legal and industrial communities since 1999.

Engineering analysis involves reasoned application of scientific methodology and principles to analytically decompose a system or component design to its constituent elements and core functional requirements for the purpose of evaluating plausible failure modes and mechanisms. The results of the analysis may be used to improve the design, identify hazards or derive mitigation for fielded designs. Stone Engineering Incorporated provides engineering analysis in support of accident reconstruction, product liability and defect investigations, design review to identify probable failure modes and mechanisms, large loss claims support, and third-party independent evidence review in support of litigation and subrogation using industry standard analytical techniques.

Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is an analytical technique applied to systematically identify and evaluate potential failure modes and mechanisms within a given design that may result in a specific defined failure effect or consequence. In practice, the failure effect for the design under consideration is clearly defined, and all potential failure modes and mechanisms are then defined based on the design, manufacturing and operating constraints.

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a rigorous applied methodology for collection, evaluation and integration of facts into a concise and coherent explanation of how and why a complex failure or incident occurred.

Assignments completed to date include engineering analysis and accident reconstruction of marine, automotive, heavy equipment, structure and appliance systems and components following accident, material failure, fire loss and explosion. Some of the more challenging analysis assignments completed to date have involved vessel collisions, cascading mechanical and material failures and gas explosions, each requiring comprehensive FMEA and RCA at the systems and component level to establish failure sequence and root cause as appropriate. The principal engineer has over 35 years of forensic engineering experience and would welcome the opportunity to discuss the best investigative approach for your specific case.

Stone Engineering Incorporated is an engineering firm that is dedicated to providing our clients with clear, concise and objective technical opinion to allow them to make informed decisions on the merits and progression of their case. Reach out to us to discuss how we can apply our skills to support your case analytical requirements. References are available upon request.