Forensic Expert
Mechanical Engineering Expert
Dr. Huerta specializes in forensic mechanical engineering including multi-piece wheel(rim) failure analysis. With forty years of experience in solid mechanics, Dr. Huerta has provided expert opinions in over 200 legal cases. At his 8,000 square foot office and laboratory facility, Dr. Huerta can perform structural testing, fabricate scale models, conduct drop testing, pressure testing, failure analysis of miscellaneous products, and examination of vehicles on automotive lifts.
Dr. Huerta has been a registered professional engineer in Texas since 1980. He has experience investigating more than 200 legal cases and has testified in more than 150 depositions and approximately 50 trials.
Areas of Specialization
Forensic Mechanical Engineering (Industrial Equipment, Machine Guarding, Structural Failures, Failed Mechanisms, Automotive Systems, Accident Reconstruction, Multi-Piece Wheel (rim) Failure Analysis
Applied Finite Element Analysis (Structural)
Machine Design
Manufacturing Processes
Physical Scale Modeling
Structural Testing
Case Samples
Automotive Related Cases
Analysis of high-speed impact involving tractor trailer rigs
Analysis of failed ball joint in large passenger van
Steering linkage failure resulting in automotive accident
Analysis of pneumatic control valve for power take-off system
Analysis of failed master brake cylinder
Numerous analyses of vehicular impacts
Analysis of bead failure in large pneumatic tire
Finite element analysis of tire to determine bead stress
Analysis of failed latch for cab-over truck
Analysis of trailer dynamics
Trailer hitch analysis
Analysis of portable automotive lifting devices
Sun visor structure
Steering system failure
Roof crush analysis and full scale testing
Machine Guarding Cases
Power presses
Plastic injection molding machines
Foam baler
Plastic sheet extruder
Conveyor systems
Tire chip shredder
Commercial kitchen equipment
Oil field pumping unit
Tire recycling equipment
Equipment Failures and Accidents
Scaffolding systems
Hydraulic lift tables and work platforms
Dock levelers
Forklifts (powered industrial trucks)
Valves
Cranes
Industrial jacks
Wheelchairs and wheelchair lifts
Exercise equipment
Pressurized tanks
Wire ropes and steel cables
Qualifications
Education
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering | The University of Texas at Austin, 1974
M.S., Mechanical Engineering | The University of Texas at El Paso, August 1971
B.S., Mechanical Engineering | The University of Texas at El Paso, August 1969
Work Experience
Southwest Engineering Associates | President and CEO, established in 1983
Professor, University of Texas at El Paso | 8 years
Technical Staff Member, Sandia National Labs | 7 years
Professional Affiliations
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
Academic Honors
Tau Beta Pi | Engineering Honors Society
Pi Tau Sigma | Mechanical Engineering Honor Society
Letter of Commendation as a "Top Performer" in Teaching | Dean of Engineering, April 2002, University of Texas at El Paso
*Complete CV and case listing furnished upon request. Send email to: sea_mh@sbcglobal.net.