Packer Engineering: Engineers with Answers

Accident Reconstruction

Accident reconstruction is the process of using physical and factual evidence, in conjunction with mathematics and physics, to determine how an accident occurred. When conducting any investigation or reconstruction, Packer Engineering uses the "scientific method." The scientific method is a process of inquiry which relies on four elements: observation, hypothesis, theory, and experiment. The underlying objective is always the same even though interaction between these four elements may differ from one situation to another.

While most accident reconstruction involves automobile accidents, many times our engineers perform accident reconstructions involving structural collapses, personal injuries, slips and falls, explosions, biomechanics, and human/machine interaction. During vehicular accident reconstruction, we can determine the impact speeds and directions of the vehicles involved, the time and distance relationships between the vehicles prior to the incident, and the impact severity (Delta V) relative to passengers or pedestrians. Our engineers use several techniques of data collection and analysis, including the methods of conservation of momentum, computer simulation, photogrammetry, and component or full scale crash testing.

When investigating insurance claims, Packer Engineering provides a wide range of services which enable insurers to validate claims, assess damages, and effectively manage losses. Contact Packer Engineering to find out how our engineers can meet your accident reconstruction needs.

Aerospace

When an accident takes place, many questions of why and how such a tragedy occurred arise. Our engineers possess the capabilities to answer these difficult questions. Packer Aerospace offers a convenient aircraft wreckage recovery service, which includes secure warehouse storage and a clean, organized, and climate-controlled reconstruction facility. Packer Aerospace also provides documentation and evidence preservation services, expert testimony, computer simulation of the event, and full-scale models and exhibits. Expertise includes:

• Aviation Support Equipment
• Control Systems
• Fracture Mechanics
• International Aviation Services
• Material Flammability
• Smoke Production from Fires
• Tribology

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Automotive Accident Reconstruction

Accident reconstruction is the process of using physical and factual evidence, in conjunction with mathematics and physics, to determine how an accident occurred. Vehicle, lift truck, and railroad engine manufacturers, rail carriers, transit system operators, and insurers work with Packer Engineering to investigate and reconstruct vehicular accidents. During vehicular accident reconstructions, Packer engineers determine the impact speeds and directions of the vehicles involved, the time and distance relationships between the vehicles prior to the incident, and the impact severity (Delta V) relative to passengers or pedestrians. Our engineers work with several techniques of data collection and analysis, including the methods of conservation of momentum, computer simulation, photogrammetry, and component or full scale crash testing. Packer Engineering also securely collects and stores for our clients the wreckage, artifacts, and evidence from accidents. Services include:

• Accident Site Inspections, Surveys, and CAD Drawings
• Crash Testing
• Failure Analysis
• Full Litigation Services
• Human/Machine Interaction Analysis
• Human Performance Evaluation
• Product Liability Assessment
• Product Safety Standards Assessment
• Vehicle Components Testing
• Vehicle Dynamics Evaluation
• Vehicular Fire Investigation
• Welding & Joining Analysis
• ECM/Black Box Data Extraction and Interpretation

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Electrical Engineering

Our engineers possess extensive experience in determining the cause and origin--as well the prevention--of electrical accidents. With extensive electronic test and measurement tools including a programmable curve tracer, close-up and long range infrared thermographic analysis capabilities, and a scanning electron microscope, we apply our expertise in electrical engineering to safety analysis, electrocution issues, accident reconstruction, and loss evaluation. Services include:

• Design Analysis & Performance Evaluation
• Electric & Magnetic Field Studies
• Electric Arc Blast Investigation
• Electrical Component Testing & Failure Analysis
• Electrocution/Electric Shock Evaluation
• Fire & Explosion Investigation
• Fire Dynamics Assessment
• Flammability of Materials Evaluation
• Motors & Generators Analysis
• Power Generation Equipment Evaluation
• Power/Automatic Doors Evaluation
• Power Transmission & Distribution Assessment
• Product Safety Evaluation
• Vehicular Electrical Systems Analysis

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Engineering Mechanics

We utilize a variety of scientific techniques to carefully investigate and gather information concerning the Who, What, When, Where, and How of an accident. We then apply our engineering expertise to analyze the accident including the machine or equipment involved, the accident site and environmental factors, and the human interactions and inputs related to the accident. Depending on the type of equipment involved, the information available, and the needs of our client we can provide a wide range of services in this area including:

• Vehicle and Equipment Inspections and Investigations
• Accident Site Inspections, Surveys, and CAD Drawings
• Vehicle Dynamics and Impact Severity Determinations
• Crash Testing
• Visibility Studies
• Accident Reconstruction and Animations
• Product Liability Investigations
• Product Design and Safety Evaluations
• Insurance Investigations
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

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Fires & Explosions

Our fire investigation practice provides technical assistance to clients who need to know how and why an accident occurred. Our licensed investigators and engineers provide a thorough and accurate examination of the exact chain of events that led to a fire. Reconstructing an accident using graphic arts, animation, and models allows clients to understand and visualize every detail of how the fire started, spread, and was extinguished. Our accident reconstruction capabilities include:

• Appliance Testing
• Corrosion Analysis
• Debris & Particle Analysis
• Dust Fire Assessment
• Fire Modeling
• Fire & Flammability Testing
• Human Performance Evaluation
• Industrial Fire Assessment
• Metallurgical Analysis
• Service Station Equipment Evaluation
• Ship Fire Assessment
• Vehicle Fire Assessment
• Virtual Reality

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Materials Engineering

Many times an accident involves broken materials. A small crack invisible to the naked eye can have catastrophic consequences. Our materials engineers possess the capabilities to determine whether a given failure was due to the application of extraordinary forces, improper design, selection of the wrong materials, presence of an environmental factor, or the result of a material flaw. Packer Engineering possesses the critical knowledge needed to analyze why and how a material failure contributes to an accident.

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Mechanical Engineering

Packer performs accident reconstructions of large machinery, industrial equipment and all machinery and equipment found in the home, from lawn mowers to washing machines to power tools. We also conduct accident reconstructions related to vehicles, lift trucks, rail cars, and off-road vehicles, as well as mechanical equipment such as: power transmissions, conveyors, elevators, mechanical systems, power tools, presses, IC and diesel engines, production machinery, hydraulic & pneumatic power equipment, pumps, valves and process equipment, wind and steam turbines, and HVAC equipment.

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Safety Engineering

Packer Engineering's extensive incident investigation services provide the answers to how and why an accident occurred. Our engineers use several techniques of data collection and analysis, including the mathematical method of conservation of energy, computer simulation, photogrammetry, and component or full scale crash testing. Clients rely on Packer Engineering for full investigative services as well as litigation support. Packer Engineering has expertise in:

• Engineering Design & Analysis for Repair & Reprofit
• Full Litigation Support Services
• Origin & Cause Determination
• Construction Site Accidents

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Structural Engineering

Packer Engineering's structural engineering group investigates structural collapses and accidents involving any type of building or construction, including plazas, parking garages, towers, signs, swimming pools, bridges, and retaining walls. Collapses can result from a variety of factors, including environmental elements, poor design, deficient materials, or inadequate maintenance. Packer Engineering has the expertise to explain how and why a structural collapse occurred. Structural failure analysis and accident reconstruction covers the areas of:

• Automatic Sprinkler Systems
• Bridge & Roadway Evaluations
• Component Failures (All Materials)
• Construction Equipment Problems
• Construction Site Accidents
• Conveyor Problems
• Crane Failures
• Design, Installation, Material, & Maintenance Deficiencies
• Earthquake & Explosion Damage Evaluations
• Elevator Problems
• Flammability of Materials
• Illumination Evaluations
• Litigation Support Services
• Mechanical & Electrical Failures
• Off-Road Equipment Problems
• Site Safety Issues
• Slip, Trip, & Fall Incidents
• Water Vapor Transmission Analysis
• Wind, Water, & Fire Damage Evaluations

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