Senior Engineer, Mechanical
Emphasis: Mechanical Engineering, Combustion, Fires and Explosions
As a registered professional engineer commanding a robust knowledge of thermodynamics, combustion, fluid dynamics, fire dynamics, energetics, and explosions, Mr. Reeder performs cause and origin analysis of failures and accidents in many areas:
Having spent more than eight years in the solid rocket and aerospace industry prior to joining Palmer Engineering and Forensics in 2020, Mr. Reeder has a demonstrated proficiency in heat transfer, combustion, fluid flow, mechanical design, and manufacturing methods. Mr. Reeder participated in a variety of failure investigations and root cause analyses prior to joining Palmer Engineering and Forensics and has been the lead engineer on more than 200 cases since his arrival. Typical cases include vehicle accident reconstruction, structure and vehicle fires, explosions, plumbing and appliance failures, fuel gas system malfunctions, residential and commercial roof inspections, and water ingress damage, among others.
Mr. Reeder possesses a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering. His graduate research was in the field of combustion—measuring and understanding the exhaust gas species of multiple combustible materials under different stoichiometric conditions. Related to this effort, he also developed expertise in radiative heat transfer, diffusion and premixed flames, and spectral measurements of gas species. Mr. Reeder has authored or coauthored five journal and conference publications.
Equipped with several credentials including Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of Utah, Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (C.F.E.I.), Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (C.V.F.I.), and Haag Certified Inspector (H.C.I.) for both residential and commercial roofs, Mr. Reeder has the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to perform effective analyses on scene, in the lab, and in the court room.
