Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2015
  • M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2013
  • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina State University, 2005
Licenses & Certifications
  • Professional Engineer, Georgia, #PE041588
  • Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD)
  • Six Sigma Green Belt Certification (CSSGB)
  • Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI)
  • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
Professional Honors
  • Georgia Institute of Technology Leadership Fellow, 2013-2015
  • Sam Nunn Security Fellow, 2013
  • National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship, 2012
  • IPST Paper Science and Engineering Fellowship, 2011
  • G.W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering Presidents' Fellowship, 2010
  • North Carolina State University John T. Caldwell Scholarship, 2001
Professional Affiliations
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers—ASME (member)
  • American Institute of Chemical Engineers—AIChE (member)
  • National Association of Fire Investigators—NAFI (member)
  • SAE International—formerly Society of Automotive Engineers (member)

David Anderson, Ph.D., P.E., CFEI, CVFI, is a principal engineer in the Thermal Sciences practice and director of the Atlanta office at Exponent. He has over twenty years of post-graduate experience, specializing in thermal-fluid systems, engineered systems, and failure analysis. He helps manufacturers, suppliers, and legal teams resolve complex technical disputes involving internal combustion engines, emissions systems, industrial equipment, and product failures across automotive, industrial, consumer products, and energy sectors. 

Overview

Dr. Anderson's work focuses on the performance, reliability, and failure of engineered systems involving heat transfer, fluid flow, and energy conversion. He applies fundamental engineering principles and data-driven analysis to evaluate system behavior under real-world operating conditions. His work integrates system-level analysis with component-level evaluation to identify root causes of failure, assess the influence of design and operating conditions, and develop technically grounded conclusions in engineering, regulatory, product liability, and intellectual property matters.

Engine Systems and Industrial Equipment

Dr. Anderson conducts failure analysis and performance evaluation of internal combustion engines and associated systems across a wide range of applications, including on- and off-road vehicles, backup power generation, pumping and compression systems, and other industrial equipment. His work involves identifying root causes of component- and system-level failures, evaluating operating conditions and design constraints, and supporting product development, warranty, and product liability investigations across transportation, power generation, and industrial sectors. He has also evaluated complex failure and performance issues in matters involving alleged design defects in engine and engine system components.

Automotive Systems and Emissions

Building on his experience in engine systems and prior work for a diesel engine OEM, Dr. Anderson evaluates the performance and compliance of automotive emissions control systems and engine calibration strategies. His work includes analysis of aftertreatment systems such as selective catalytic reduction (SCR), lean NOx traps (LNT), diesel particulate filters (DPF), and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), as well as evaluation of emissions performance using both dynamometer and on-road measurements (e.g., PEMS). He has supported regulatory and litigation matters involving emissions compliance, including evaluation of the engineering justification of various auxiliary emission control strategies.

Thermal and Fluid Systems

Dr. Anderson analyzes heat transfer and fluid flow in engineered systems across industrial, consumer, and specialty applications. His work includes evaluation of thermal performance, energy efficiency, and system behavior under real-world operating conditions. He has applied experimental measurement, analytical modeling, and data interpretation to assess a broad range of materials, products, processes, and systems involving heat transfer, thermodynamics, phase change, and fluid transport.

Product Failure and Hazard Evaluation

Dr. Anderson investigates the performance and failure of industrial equipment and consumer products, including battery-powered devices and systems involving thermal or process hazards. His work often involves analysis of system operation, controls, and environmental conditions to determine root causes of failure and assess design and operational risks in the context of product liability and safety evaluations.

Fire and Explosion Investigation

As a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI), Dr. Anderson investigates fires, explosions, and other thermal incidents across a range of industrial, consumer, and transportation applications. His work focuses on determining origin and cause, evaluating ignition sources and fuel packages, and assessing the role of system design, operation, and failure in incident development. Dr. Anderson also leverages his engine and automotive experience as a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI) to evaluate vehicle fires and post-collision fire events, including analysis of fuel systems, electrical systems, and component failures that may contribute to fire initiation and propagation.

Expert Witness and Testifying Experience

Dr. Anderson has been retained as a testifying expert in U.S.-based and international matters involving complex product failures and related disputes across automotive, industrial, and consumer applications. He has prepared expert opinions and technical analyses, including rebuttal evaluations, in support of arbitration and litigation proceedings in multiple jurisdictions. His analyses are used to independently evaluate technical claims, assess root causes, and inform the resolution of complex engineering disputes. He has also provided expert testimony in an intellectual property matter involving engine-related technologies.

Dr. Anderson's publications list and examples of project experience are provided at the end of this curriculum vitae.

Recent Projects