RTI Appoints Thomas W. Butler, PhD, Materials Engineering and Sciences Department Director

RTI is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas W. Butler, PhD, as Principal Forensic Engineer and Director of the Materials Engineering and Sciences Department.

Dr. Butler has decades of experience in analyzing failures of objects made of a wide variety of materials including metals, plastics, ceramics, and wood. In particular, he analyzes failures of various types of medical devices including catheters, stents, needles, scalpels, and orthopedic implants. Additionally, he analyzes failures in components of fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, automobiles, trucks, ships, and pleasure craft. He spent more than 30 years as Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the United States Naval Academy teaching both materials and mechanical engineering courses. He consulted with various Navy departments and DARPA on materials, aircraft, and shipboard issues.

Another aspect of Dr. Butler’s professional career involves assisting in intellectual property issues involving a wide range of mechanical devices including quick-release socket wrenches, faucet-mounted water filters, surgical tools, pleasure craft accessories, and industrial processing equipment.

Dr. Butler has provided expert testimony, both nationally and internationally, regarding product failures and intellectual property matters.