Background
Dr. Thomas Hafner is a mechanical engineer focused on the analysis of mechanical systems, products, and components involved in failures, incidents resulting in damaged equipment or personal injuries, or other technical issues. He has experience investigating matters involving piping systems; plumbing systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; vehicles; and vehicle accidents. He has inspected residential and commercial structures with reported hail and/or wind damage. Dr. Hafner is proficient in a variety of technologies including three-dimensional (3D) scanning, 3D printing, CAD platforms such as SOLIDWORKS, and programming platforms such as MATLAB.
Dr. Hafner earned a doctorate and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. While at Purdue University, Dr. Hafner conducted research focused on energetic materials including solid propellants, explosives, and pyrotechnics. Dr. Hafner earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. While at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he conducted research focused on computational fluid dynamics. He has authored or co-authored nine different journal or conference papers. He holds one patent.
Education and Certifications
- Mechanical Engineering, Ph.D.: Purdue University (2023)
- Mechanical Engineering, M.S.: Purdue University (2022)
- Mechanical Engineering, B.S.: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2018)
- Licensed Professional Engineer: Iowa (#P29594)
- Crash Data Retrieval (CDR) Technician: Bosch© CDR Tool Technician Training by IPTM – Online Certification from the Institute of Police Technology and Management
- Verified Residential Rope Access Worker: Level I “Authorized Person” Certification from Reality Rope Access LLC
Publications
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- “The Flexoelectric Properties of Various Polymers and Energetic Composites,” Applied Physics Letters, 124, 2024.
- “The Effect of Porosity on Flexoelectricity in 3D Printed Aluminum/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composites,” Journal of Applied Physics, 134, 2023.
- “The Effect of Porosity on Flexoelectricity in Fluoropolymer/Aluminum Films,” 13thS. National Combustion Meeting, 2023.
- “Theoretical Conditions for Burning in Solid Propellant Slots,” Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, 48, 2023.
- “Altering the Effective Burning Rate of a Propellant with Shape Memory Alloy,” AIAA SCITECH 2023 Forum, 2023.
- “Effects of Flexoelectric and Piezoelectric Properties on the Impact-Driven Ignition Sensitivity of P(VDF-TrFE)/nAl Films,” Combustion and Flame, 242, 2022.
- “Piezo-Energetic Composite Film Fabrication and Poling Process for Pressure Sensor Applications,” 45th International Pyrotechnics Society Seminar, 2022.
- “Altering the Impact-Driven Sensitivity and Ignition of PVDF-TrFE/nAl Composite Films with Piezoelectricity,” 12thS. National Combustion Meeting, 2021.
- “The Effect of a Spanwise Body Force on Skin-Friction Reduction and its Connections to Low-Drag States in Turbulent Flow,” Proceedings of the ASME 2018 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, 2018.