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Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., PE, RG, RM - DOB: March 17, 1943
President and Principal Engineer
SERF, Systems Engineering Research Facilities, Inc. - Since 1972
Licensed Professional Engineer and Contractor:
Registered Professional Engineer, Fla. PE 16877, 1972
Registered General Contractor, Fla. RG 61440, 1990
Registered Mechanical Contractor, Fla. RM 60577, 1990.
Expert Witness and Consultant in the States of:
Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Georgia, Wyoming, West Virgina, New York, and Connecticut.
Education:
University of Florida
Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering, 1970
Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering, 1967
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering, 1965
Field of Practice:
Forensic Engineering Analysis, Accident Reconstruction, Mechanical and Machine Design, Thermal and Fluid
Systems, ASME Pressure Products, Pneumatic and Mechanical Conveyors.
Principal Design Engineer for Process Tanks and Piping Systems, Conveying Equipment and Machinery, Heavy
Lifting Equipment and Structural and Mechanical Applications at SERF, Inc.
Professional Service: *Past Service
University of Florida Mechanical Engineering Advisory Committee
Engineering Service Advisor to the University of Florida ERC.
*Technical Advisor to the UWF Technology Council.
* Advisor to the Pensacola Junior College Welding Department
Professional and Honorary memberships:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Welding Society, Society of Automotive Engineers,
Society of Accident Reconstructionists, Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine,
National Association of Professional Accident Reconstructionists. Pi Tau Sigma, honorary Engineering Fraternity.
Journal of Publications:
Journal of Applied Mechanics, 1968. Journal American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 1968.
Journal of Mechanisms, 1967 and Yugoslav Council for the Theory of Machines, 1968.
Research Experience- University of Florida:
Kinematics, Mechanisms and Machine Design, 1965-1970. Solar Energy
Analysis & Fallout Shelter Analysis, 1967-1968. Thermal Energy Analysis for Large Building, 1965-1967
Teaching Experience (Partial) - Adjunct Professor - University of West Florida:
Machine Design and Analysis - Tension and Compression Stresses, Shear and Bending Moments, Types of Failure,
Material selection and ASME code, Testing requirements, Steel Shapes and Shafting, Deflection and Buckling, Stress
Analysis and Fatigue, Design Safety factors, Vibration, Impact and Shock, Energy for Deformation and Shearing.
Design Applications - Shafting, springs, fasteners, belts, clutches, brakes, chain, welded connections, bearings,
gears, Wire rope, and Engineering materials and Selection.
Fluids and Hydraulics - The properties Fluids and Gases, Applications for transferring power and heat, The use
and characteristics of Pumps and Compressors, Flow of liquids and gases in pipes, channels and over surfaces,
Compressible and Incompressible flow, Pump head and NPSH applications.
Heat Transfer - Conduction, Convection and Radiant heat transfer, Mass and heat transfer, Solar and Radiant heat
transfer applications, HVAC systems Load and Humidity determination. Applications and Types of heat exchangers,
and Boiler systems.
Economy Engineering - Financing Interest rates and final cost of Equipment, Present cost and Future cost, Return on
Investment, The cost of manufacturing and construction, The cost of Operations, The cost of services including utilities,
variable and fixed costs, Investment analysis, Profit and, Loss statements.
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Accident and Biomechanics Reconstruction Certificates:
Accident Reconstruction, Toptec special topics, Pedestrian, Bicycles, Motorcycles, Tires, Brakes, Heavy Trucks and
Human factors, SAE 2001
Vehicle Safety Restraint Systems Performance, SAE 1999
Seat Belts and Air Bags - types, designs, loading, time and movement of occupants, injury mechanics, dynamic
response to loading and unlatching characteristics of belt latch types. Inspection post impact for belt use verification
Air Bag Design and Performance, SAE 1997
Driver side and passenger side air bag design, time to deploy, occupant position, loading duration and injury prevention.
Live deployment demonstration of air bag system.
Sensor Design for Automotive Air Bag Systems, SAE 1999
Sensor types, vehicle placement, time response and application. Occupant position at time of activation and final
deployment. Frontal and side impact applications.
Brakes - Design and Safety, Accident causation, Commercial vehicles, ABS Systems, Stability, Component failure and
Defects, SAE, 2002
Truck Accident Litigation, Truck Litigation Resource, 2002
Inspection, documentation and logs required by drivers and vehicle owners. Legal issues to properly defend parties
subject to litigation.
Injuries, Anatomy, Biomechanics, & Federal Regulations-SAE, 1996
Federal regulations for the design of seat belts, air bags and crush into the occupant space. Injuries to internal organs,
cervical, thorax and lumbar spine. Head face, eye and brain injury determination. Long bone, rib fractures, feet, arms and
knee injuries. The use of padding and the prevention of hard contact zones predicted in the Biomechanics of the collision.
Federal standards required for testing the vehicle and components' designs and compliance. Data bases available for Biomechanics
analysis for low impact velocities and barrier impact testing using instrumental dummies.
Low Speed Collision, Biomechanics & Whiplash-SAE, 1996
Whiplash, permanent and temporary injures, soft tissue injures from low impact collisions. Analysis methods to determine
injury thresholds from vehicle components and damage. Low impact collision demonstration, video demonstration of body
movement.
TEEX - (Texas A & M) Biomechanics for Traffic Accident Reconstruction, 1998
Vehicular impacts mechanics, occupant movement within the vehicle, interior assessment of points of impact, data for injury
evaluation based upon impact force and duration of time. Effect of restraints - air bags and seat belts in roll over, air bag deployment,
time, position, and occupant movement. Post accident injury analysis from photos, x-rays, MRI data and autopsy reports.
AAAM- (University of Maryland Medical School) Biomechanics of Impact Trauma, 1998
Biomechanics analysis based upon impact trauma and vehicle design and performance to determine the injury mechanics of the
human anatomy. Injury data from physical testing and computer modeling has been tabulated to provide thresholds of injury to
the skeleton and the bodies internal organs, cervical injury due to whiplash, blunt trauma to the head, thorax and ribs cage, internal
organs, face and eyes. Brain injuries caused from acceleration and impacts to the head can be determined and evaluated by
engineering analysis and accident reconstruction based upon the vehicle collision, the vehicles' design, damage and injury mechanics.
University of California School of Medicine, Accidental Injury: Biomechanics & Prevention, 1999
Human anatomy and injury mechanics are combined to provide a Biomechanics analysis of automotive accidents. Injuries to the
face, eyes, head, brain, cervical, thorax and lumbar spine are evaluated based upon physical data, human testing and instrumental
dummies under impact simulation. Injury to internal organs, heart, liver, spleen and lungs are evaluated from cadaver tests and
autopsy. Skeletal injuries to ribs, sternum, long bones, head, feet and ankles are tabulated for vehicle delta-velocity. Airbag and seat
belt injury prevention mechanics and methods to determine use are provided for accident reconstruction.
Biomechanics of Injury from Traffic Collisions-NIFS, 1997
Injury mechanics of impact to the head, cervical spine and thorax, long bones and rib cage. Internal organ injuries, eye and facial
injuries from impact and air bags. Torso injuries from seat belt loading and Delta-velocity vs. expected injuries. Vehicle impact
and movement of occupants restrained and unrestrained. Safety belt function, performance, loading on impact, release mechanisms
and belting material inspection for loading to determine use.
Florida Engineering and Construction Licensing Board Course Certificates:
Crane Inspection and Certification Bureau “ Mobile Crane Management”, 1999
Crane management including inspection and operations, training, qualifications, OSHA, and ANSI standards for mobile, derrick,
track and truck cranes. The inspection and applications of wire rope, rigging, slings, personal protection equipment, signals,
power lines and transporting/moving equipment. Calculations of load, equipment's load chart and outriggers' restrictions for
tipping and mechanical limitations. The use of lift plans, hand signals, radios barriers and markers for compliance with OSHA safety.
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Construction Safety & Health OSHA Certificate, 1994
Contractors are by law (OSHA 1926) subject to providing a safe working environment including personal safety equipment,
working above 6 feet height, ladders, scaffolding, electrical power and lockout, lifting equipment, cranes, rigging, confined
space and below grade elevation, air quality and sound environment.
Ethics & Responsibilities of the Contractor, 1995
Contractor's responsibility by contractual agreement, which includes ethics and responsibilities implied in the law, building
codes and standards of construction.
Arbitration & Mediation in construction, 1996
Disputes between contractors, subcontractors and owners including proposals, standards, law and ethical resolve. Means
of solving disagreements by contracts and mutual understanding to avoid court intervention.
Fundamentals of Construction Design, Worker's Compensation and Workplace Safety, 1998
Basics for Contractors, Laws & Safety, FCILB, 2001
Construction Business Management, FCILB, 2001
Computer aided Residential Design, 1999
Methods for utilizing CAD systems for designing homes for wind, HVAC, electrical and plumbing requirements
Building/Structural, University of Florida Extension service, 2002
Standard Building codes for wind, floor and attic loading, windows and doors, building attachments for frame constraints for
homes, metal buildings and block construction. Foundation built-up, slab and frame type.
Building/Fire, University of Florida Extension service, 2002
Building code standards for fire rating, prevention, egress, signs, inspection and safety applications for plumbing, heating,
electrical and combustion sources.
Electrical Codes & Plan Interpretation, FCILB, 2000
Building codes for electrical panels, wiring, outlets, lighting, ground fault breakers, load calculations, testing and inspection.
Heating Boilers; Construction, Care and Operation ASME Sections IV and VI, ASME, 2001
ASME codes and standards for inspection, repair, service and testing of heating boilers and hot water heaters, including
welding, qualifications, procedures and documentation.
Pressure Vessel Alteration and Repair, ASME, 1983
Inspection, repair, welding specification, welding procedures, welder qualifications and records, testing and documentation
for ASME code and the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors.
Plumbing and Fuel Technical, University of Florida Extension service, 2002
Application of the building codes to the standards for the selection, installation, inspection and testing of plumbing and fuel
equipment and appliances.
Mechanical Energy - Florida Building Code, Electrical, Plumbing, Fuel, NFPA, Hazards, Guards, Ventilation,
Combustion air, Boilers and Hot Water Heaters. University of Florida (FEES), 2002
LECTURES IN ENGINEERING
1984 - "Selecting an Expert Witness" Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., PE
The Mobile Claims Association, Mobile, Alabama
1991 - “Harbert S. Gregory Distinguished Lecture Series” Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., PE
University of Florida, The College of Engineering, Gainesville, Florida
1993 - “Designing and Building Mechanical Equipment for Today's Industries” Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., PE
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pensacola Section, Florida
1995 - “Forensic Engineering” Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., PE
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Mobile Section, Alabama
1995 - “Designing and Building Mechanical Equipment for Today's Industries” Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., PE
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Mobile Section, Alabama
1995 - “Forensic Engineering” Jim Anderson, Richard McSwain and Jack W. Sparks
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pensacola Section, Florida
1998 - “Accident Reconstruction - Cause and Origin” Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., PE
The Pensacola Claims Association
1997 - “Forensic Engineering and Accident Reconstruction” Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., PE
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Pensacola Section, Florida
2000 - “Air Bags - Performance and Failure Analysis” Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., PE
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Gator Section, Gainesville, Florida
2001 - “Testing Methods for Failure Analysis in Accident Reconstruction” Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., PE
American Society of Nondestructive Testing, Emerald Coast Section
2001 - “Forensic Engineering” Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., PE
Northwest Florida Association of Private Investigators
Annual Florida Certified Investigators (FCI) Seminar
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Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., P.E., RG, RM
INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE
PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
PROCESS SYSTEMS DESIGN
Machining Manufacturing
MATERIAL HANDLING SYSTEMS
Computerized Automation
Inventories for Selected Silo Systems
Heavy Components for Missile Launcher
ASME CODE PRESSURE VESSEL DESIGNS
Generation
For Manrated Diving Chambers
For Primary Loop Water in Submarine Service
Separation Processes
High Temperature-Altitude Simulator for Fuels R&D
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Jack W. Sparks, Ph.D., P.E., RG, RM
ACCIDENT RECONSTRUCTION - FAILURE ANALYSIS
FORENSIC ENGINEERING - EXPERT WITNESS
31 Y E A R S E X P E R I E N C E
Courtroom Testimony - Defense and Plaintiff cases
County - State - Federal
Expert Engineering Services
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AUTOMOTIVE CRASHES
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COMPONENT FAILURES
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MACHINE DESIGN
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MANUFACTURING
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MARINE AND WATER CRAFT
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PROPERTY LOSS, INJURY MECHANICS AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
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Cranes, Components and Lifting Equipment
Forensic engineering and accident reconstruction of crane and lifting equipment have been provided for more than 15 years and includes machines with lifting capacity to 8,800,000 lbs (4400 tons) and elevations to 347 feet.
Supervision of Crane Repairs
Supervision of the design, manufacturing and repair work for heavy machinery is also included in
the following service experience and includes lift capacities to 1,100,000 lbs (550 tons).
---Tower Cranes
---Booms and Jibs
---End Sheave Sections
---Boom Sections
---Rotating Turret
---Modified to dig - 100 feet deep pitch for sealing barrier
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Engineering Staff and Services
Automotive - Equipment - Construction
|
Jack W. Sparks Principal Engineer |
Engineering Analysis |
Wes Sparks Accident Reconstructionist |
Jim Arnold Equipment Analyst |
Joseph Czech Accident Reconstructionist |
Jeremy Sparks Technician |
SERVICES - TECHNIQUES - METHODS
COMPUTER MODELING METHODS
PHYSICAL MODELING And PRESENTATIONS
Working Scale Models
Real Time and Position Layouts
Component Testing and Evaluations
Friction Tests