Can Lightning Strike Twice in the Same Place? -February 16, 2006

Abstract:

Can Lightning Strike Twice in the Same Place? is a murder mystery style presentation. It involves a failure analysis situation wherein the audience inspects the clues during the Social Hour. The presenter, a.k.a. Chief Inspector Mur Doc, builds the suspense by setting the scene and outlining the investigation during appetizers. Following dinner, members, spouses, students and guests participate in using the clues to find the cause of the failure under the guidance of Chief Inspector Mur Doc.

The program gives lay people an introduction to materials engineering. It also lets those scientifically trained to use their analyzing and reasoning skills. The evening program is a combination of show & tell and amateur acting by the presenter, who assumes the role of Mur Doc, a character loosely styled in the mold of Lt. Columbo.

Speaker’s Bio

Dr. Frederick E. Schmidt, Jr. oversees the materials consulting function of Engineering Systems Inc. as Technical Director, Materials Engineering. His broad consulting practice spans from design and performance of complex engineered systems to consumer products. He received his B.S. degree in metallurgical engineering (1968), and his M.S. (1970) and his Ph.D. (1994) in materials science from Drexel University. In 1981, he became a registered Professional Engineer in Pennsylvania.

As a Consultant (1972) and Research Fellow (1989) with E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., Inc., Dr. Schmidt provided creative solutions to materials and processing problems associated with new products and technologies. Ceramics, polymers, elastomers and advanced coatings were frequently engineered in unique configurations for new or improved products. As Chief Metallurgist (1989-1997) for Remington Arms, he had design responsibility to specify materials, manufacturing processes and abuse-test five advanced firearm products in just eight years.

Dr. Schmidt has published and presented more than 50 papers including such diverse subject matters as slurry erosion, firearm design, tribology, and lubrication testing methodology. He has been a regular contributor to ASM's Practical Failure Analysis journal, writing for the “Point/Counter Point” feature. Failure analysis has been a long-time hobby that parallels his interest in the historical development of materials throughout the Industrial Revolution, and the progressive use of modern materials in design.

Dr. Schmidt enjoys teaching and has served as Adjunct Professor at the University of Delaware, Mechanical and Aerospace Department, and currently teaches focused courses for ASM and American Electroplaters & Surface Finishers (AESF) as well as industry. He is active in the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) and has served as President of the Delaware State Council of Engineering Societies. He has received ASM’s Allan Ray Putnam National Service Award (1991) and the Instructor of Merit Award (2001). Schmidt joined ASM in 1963 and was named a Fellow in 2002 for his contributions to materials design. He is active in both the Rockford Chapter and the Chicago Regional Chapter.

February meeting notice as a PDF file