Business Details
Expert Engineering Solutions for Complex Challenges
O'donnell Consulting Engineers has been delivering engineering excellence for over four decades, specializing in design, analysis, and troubleshooting for global industries. Our team combines interdisciplinary expertise in materials science, metallurgy, and structural engineering to resolve complex technical challenges. With a legacy rooted in ASME Code compliance and forensic investigations, we provide solutions that enhance safety, reliability, and cost-efficiency. Our engineers hold leadership roles in standards development committees, ensuring cutting-edge adherence to API, AWS, and ASME codes. From aerospace components to power plant systems, we support clients through every phase of a product lifecycle.Our forensic engineering services determine root causes of failures, offering litigation support trusted by legal and insurance professionals. With offices in Pittsburgh, we serve energy, petrochemical, aerospace, and manufacturing sectors worldwide. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in advanced finite element analysis and fitness-for-service evaluations that extend equipment lifespans. Recognized by ASME as industry leaders, we maintain rigorous quality control through third-party certifications. Clients benefit from hands-on engineering expertise that integrates failure analysis, weld consulting, and vibration diagnostics to optimize operational performance.
Services
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Analysis
Civil/Structural Design
Power Plant Consulting
Forensic Engineering
Finite Element Analysis
Weld Consulting
Failure Analysis
Fitness for Service
Thermal Stress Analysis
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience in engineering design and analysis
- Expert witness services with forensic investigations
- Comprehensive solutions from design to troubleshooting
- Specialized in ASME, API, AWS code compliance
- Global reach with local Pittsburgh expertise
Associations and certifications
- ASME
- API
- AWS
Services
Mechanical Engineering
We provide comprehensive mechanical engineering services addressing thermal, stress, and vibration challenges in industrial equipment. Our team performs finite element analysis and fatigue evaluations to ASME standards, resolving failures in pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and welded assemblies. Clients benefit from hands-on troubleshooting that identifies root causes of structural failures while ensuring compliance with API and AWS codes.
Forensic Engineering
Our forensic engineering investigations determine root causes of equipment failures, fires, and product liability issues. Using metallurgical testing and stress analysis, we provide expert witness testimony for legal cases. The service includes detailed reports on design flaws, material defects, and operational factors contributing to failures in industrial and aerospace applications.
Finite Element Analysis
Advanced finite element analysis for thermal, stress, and vibration challenges in complex systems. We model structural integrity under extreme conditions, predicting failure points in aerospace components, power plant equipment, and petrochemical systems. This service supports design optimization and fitness-for-service evaluations following ASME and API standards.
Weld Consulting
Specialized weld consulting services addressing metallurgical issues, procedure qualification, and failure prevention. Our experts resolve cracking problems in welded assemblies, perform AWS code compliance checks, and develop repair strategies for critical infrastructure. Clients receive hands-on support for weld quality assurance in construction and manufacturing projects.
Power Plant Consulting
Comprehensive power plant engineering services covering design analysis, vibration diagnostics, and life extension evaluations. We assess boilers, turbines, and piping systems to ASME standards, performing creep and fatigue analysis on high-temperature components. Our team supports nuclear, fossil fuel, and renewable energy facilities with fitness-for-service assessments and failure prevention strategies.
People
Dr. William ODonnell
Founder and President
ASME Engineer of the Year with 50 years of experience in fatigue analysis and failure prevention. Developed advanced methods for evaluating stress corrosion cracking and creep fatigue in critical components. Leads technical innovation while maintaining active involvement in ASME code development committees.
Tom ODonnell
Senior Engineer
Licensed professional engineer specializing in thermal stress analysis and forensic investigations. Conducts failure analyses for power plants and aerospace systems while providing expert witness testimony in complex litigation cases involving industrial equipment failures.
John Koltick
Structural Engineer
30+ years of experience in civil/structural design and forensic evaluations. Specializes in construction-related failure analysis and product liability investigations. Provides expert testimony on structural integrity issues in industrial and utility projects.
Joe Turek
Metallurgist
Metallurgical expert with extensive experience in material characterization and failure analysis. Conducts laboratory testing to determine root causes of corrosion, cracking, and wear in industrial components across multiple sectors.
Dale Dodds
Weld Inspector
Certified weld inspector providing quality control and failure prevention services. Specializes in weld procedure qualification and hands-on inspection for critical infrastructure projects in energy and manufacturing sectors.
Questions
What industries do ODonnell Consulting Engineers serve?
We serve energy, aerospace, petrochemical, power generation, and manufacturing sectors globally, with specialized expertise in ASME code compliance and forensic engineering.
Can you perform failure analysis on pressure vessels?
Yes, our engineers conduct detailed failure analysis on pressure vessels using metallurgical testing and finite element analysis to determine root causes and recommend repairs.
Do you provide expert witness services for litigation?
Yes, we offer forensic engineering investigations and expert testimony for product liability, industrial accidents, and construction-related legal cases.
What codes and standards do you work with?
We specialize in ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, API standards, AWS welding codes, and fitness-for-service evaluations per API 579-1/ASME FFS-1.
Can you analyze vibration issues in industrial equipment?
Yes, our team performs vibration analysis and modal testing to identify failure causes in turbines, compressors, and other rotating equipment across multiple industries.
Do you offer fitness-for-service evaluations?
Yes, we conduct API 579-1/ASME FFS-1 evaluations to determine remaining life and repair requirements for aging industrial equipment and pressure systems.
