Fire Scene Investigators

Engineering Investigation

The forensic department at the Applied Technical Services Family of Companies features an expansive range of engineering investigation services, ranging from accident reconstruction to catastrophic industrial failure analysis.
Forensic Engineering Investigations
Engineering investigation services in a forensic capacity involve the systematic analysis of accidents, failures, or malfunctions in machinery, systems, and structures to determine the failure’s root cause, allowing our engineers to provide clients with expert insights. These investigations typically occur after equipment failures, structural collapses, fires, explosions, or other catastrophic accidents. ATS’ industry-leading forensic engineers use a range of specialized techniques, including failure analysis, accident reconstruction, and material testing, employing methodologies from nondestructive testing, metallurgical analysis, and digital simulations to gather evidence and assess damage. The findings from these investigations are used to assist clients with legal disputes, insurance claims, safety improvements, increased efficiency, and other manners of optimizing operations. Forensic engineering investigation services are cost-efficient and highly effective for identifying liabilities, improving industrial processes, and ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
Metallurgical analysis examines the properties, behavior, and failure mechanisms of metals, focusing on microstructures, fracture patterns, and wear to determine the cause of material failures. Finite element analysis uses virtual simulations to predict how structures, equipment, or components will react to stress, heat, vibration, and other forces, allowing ATS’ engineers to identify potential weaknesses early. Failure mode and effects analysis is a method for identifying potential causes of failure within a system and assessing their total impact, helping to prioritize risks and guide preventive actions. Accident investigations analyze incidents like machinery breakdowns, explosions, or structural collapses by combining engineering principles, material analyses, and historical data to trace the root cause. Nondestructive testing detects flaws by utilizing X-rays, ultrasonic testing, liquid penetrant testing, and magnetic particle inspections to evaluate the integrity of materials or components without causing damage. Materials analysis further investigates how materials such as polymers and composites behave under specific conditions, such as stress or exposure to corrosive environments, to identify signs of potential failures.
The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies
Approaching six decades of experience serving as the nation’s leading industrial testing and analysis provider, the engineers at ATS have the expertise, resources, and skills to help your business succeed. Submit a request form on this page for additional information or a free quote on our engineering investigation services, or speak to one of our customer service representatives by calling 1 (888) 287-5227.
Map of ATS Family of Companies Forensic Providers

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Forensic Services