Background
Dr. Sean Berg is a licensed Professional Engineer in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, and a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator with nearly two decades of experience in metallurgical, materials, and mechanical engineering. He provides specialized expertise in forensic failure analysis, materials characterization, and engineering evaluations involving metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. Dr. Berg has extensive experience assessing corrosion, fracture, fatigue, and weld integrity in pressure-containing equipment and rotating machinery.
His laboratory background includes advanced analysis using SEM/EDS, metallography, hardness and microstructural testing, and materials performance evaluation. He applies finite-element modeling and fitness-for-service methodologies to evaluate damaged pressure vessels, piping, and mechanical components. His work spans a wide range of industries, including oil and gas, power generation, renewable energy, manufacturing, construction, and transportation.
Education and Certifications
- Materials Science and Engineering, Ph.D.: University of Houston (2016)
- Mechanical Engineering, M.S.: University of Texas at Austin (2010)
- Mechanical Engineering, B.S.: University of Texas at Austin (2008)
- Licensed Professional Engineer: Alabama (#55588), Georgia (#44925), Louisiana (#43453), North Carolina (061988), Oklahoma (#31374), Oregon (#96283), South Carolina (45001), Tennessee (133612), and Texas (#123441)
- Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator: National Association of Fire Investigators (CFEI #26212-15437)
- ASME (PVP High Pressure Technology Track): HPT Track Member
- ASM International: Member
- API Task Groups (SC16, SC17, SC6): Task Group Member
Publications
- Berg, S., Benac, D.J., and D. Shaffer, D. (2021), “Metallurgical Damage Mechanisms Affecting Equipment in the Ammonia Industry,” H2Tech, pp. 43.
- Berg, S., Kelly, T., Porat, I., Moradi-Ghadi, B., and Ardebili, H., 2018, “Mechanical Deformation Effects on Ion Conduction in Stretchable Polymer Electrolytes,” Applied Physics Letters, 113, 2018.
- Berg, S., Akturk, A., Kammoun, M., and Ardebili, A., “Flexible Batteries under Extreme Bending: Interfacial Contact Pressure and Conductance,” Extreme Mechanics Letters, Vol. 13, pp. 108-115, 2017.
- Berg, S., “Development of Analytical Models for Evaluating the Mechanical and Electrochemical Response of Flexible and Stretchable Lithium Ion Battery Materials,” Doctoral Dissertation, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 2016.
- Kelly, T., Ghadi, B.M., Berg, S., and Ardebili, H., “In Situ Study of Strain-Dependent Ion Conductivity of Stretchable Polyethylene Oxide Electrolyte,” Scientific Reports, 6, pp. 1-9, 2016.
- Kammoun, M., Berg, S., and Ardebili, H., “Stretchable Spiral Thin-Film Battery Capable of Out-of-Plane Deformation,” Journal of Power Sources, 332, pp. 406–412, 2016.
- Kammoun, M., Berg, S., and Ardebili, H., “Flexible Thin-Film Battery based on Graphene-Oxide Embedded in Solid Polymer Electrolyte. Nanoscale,” 7(41): pp. 17516-17522, 2015.
- API Technical Report (API 17TR8), High Pressure High Temperature Design Guidelines, First Edition, American Petroleum Institute, February 2015.
- API Technical Report (API PER 15K), Protocol for Equipment Rated Greater than 15,000 psi, First Edition, American Petroleum Institute, March 2012.
- Berg, S., “Constructal Trees: Micro-Fabrication Techniques and Experimental Methodology,” Master’s Thesis, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 2010.