Applying Engineering Principles to Design and Analysis
Our mechanical engineering experts possess extensive experience in identifying failure mechanisms, as well as inspecting and designing mechanical systems and products. Mechanical engineering applies engineering principles to the analysis and design of power producing and power using machinery. This includes the design and engineering assessment of heavy equipment, material handling equipment, land vehicles, marine vessels, aircraft, industrial machinery, cranes and hoists, and specialty equipment and structures. Our analysis and design can range from welded connections and fasteners to finite element analysis (FEA) and testing of structural designs. Our testing laboratory and portable testing capabilities allow us to self-perform most, if not all, of the analysis in-house. Our engineers, inspectors, and project managers work closely with our clients every step of the way to ensure they are fully satisfied with our solutions. Our team is on call and ready to respond immediately to emergency or time sensitive issues.
It’s one thing to identify a problem, but it’s another to create a solution. Our expertise in root cause failure analysis is our design advantage. Utilizing structural finite element analysis (FEA), thermal dynamics, Computational Fluid Dynamics, corrosion allowances, materials selection, and other known methods of proper design, we provide a full gamut of services to ensure your part, component, product, or piece of machinery functions at the highest level.
Further, we perform all types of field and laboratory simulations to assure proper performance or defect analysis, including strain gaging and residual stress testing and short- and long-term system testing, such as plumbing fitting performance testing or health related equipment testing, all in pursuit of the truth about a specific product, tool, or piece of equipment.
About Us
Our team is our advantage. Our support team of expert mechanical, structural, materials, metallurgical, corrosion, welding engineers, and inspectors sets us apart. We pride ourselves on effective communication, and we work closely with our clients every step of the way to ensure they are fully satisfied with the answers and solutions we provide.
Our Capabilities
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
- 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing
- Rapid Prototyping
- Structural analysis
- Stress & strain analysis
- Machine design and analysis
- Weld inspection and testing
- Weld procedures and design
- Vehicle accident analysis
- Heavy equipment / crane accident analysis
- Fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis
- Pressure vessel analysis
- Controls design and analysis: Electrical / Mechanical
- Manufacturing support
Our Assets
- Land Vehicles
- Marine Vessels
- Heavy Equipment
- Material Handling Equipment
- Cranes and Hoists
- Heavy Truck
- Specialty / Custom Vehicles
- Aircraft
- Structures (Buildings, Bridges, Docks, Seawalls, Other Custom)
- Specialty Machinery, Equipment, and Attachments
- Manufactured Products
Experts and Associates
Michael is a mechanical engineer and project manager. Michael received his Bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University and completed his MS in Mechanical Engineering from University of Washington. He is a certified welding engineer (CWEng), certified welding inspector (CWI) and an ASNT Level II Visual Inspector. He is also a certified Solidworks Professional.
Michael has years of experience working as a design engineer on heavy equipment and machinery. He has worked performing computer modeling as well as prototyping and testing designs prior to final release. His experience working with fabrication, welding, and assembly allows for creative designs to ease the manufacturing process. He also has experience testing his designs in real world conditions and working with customers and clients to continue to improve designs and make it easier for the end user.
Michael leads forensic and other consulting projects, facilitates site and laboratory investigations, and conducts modeling, stress analysis, and finite element analysis (FEA). Michael has managed and provided technical support on various heavy machinery, process piping, and vehicle failure cases.
Pursuing the Truth Through Humility and Service Since 1983!
Serving Clients Across a Variety of Industries
At Kent Inspection & Engineering, we provide inspection and engineering across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, construction, heavy equipment and machinery, refineries and maritime.
Our staff of inspectors and engineers lend their range of specialties and deep expertise to each industry, inspecting and identifying failures in order to help represent our clients well and help build new, better, more efficient, and safer systems.
News and Insights
Follow our latest news and thoughts which focuses exclusively on
our insights, events, and industry trends
- Randy Kent, MS, P.E.
- October 2024
- Resource Article
Are you responsible for juggling the current working condition of your property, including capital budgets, all while trying to predict when the next colossal building systems failure is going to rear its ugly head?
- Bradley Capatch, P.E.
- July 2021
- Case Study
This case study is on the evaluation of the type of degradation in the pipes and fittings for a condominium in Seattle, Washington.
- Michael Leach, MS, P.E.
- July 2021
- Case Study
In this case study, a concrete construction service hired Kent Engineering (KE) to design and load test concrete washout pans.
- Michael Leach, MS, P.E.
- July 2021
- Case Study
A welding company contacted Kent Engineering (KE) to perform testing for a new Welding Procedure Specification (WPS).
- Randy Kent, MS, P.E.
- June 2020
- Case Study
Our case study involves forensics and litigation support through an independent analysis of the failed saddle adaptor for a lifting-jack.