Dr. Rau specializes in failure analysis, life prediction, design, and testing. Dr. Rau focuses on issues related to fatigue, fracture, and corrosion of materials. In addition, his research includes assessment of structural and mechanical designs, human performance, mechanical reliability, and risk prediction, as well as manufacturing technology, quality control, nondestructive inspection, and accident reconstruction. Dr. Rau’s expertise includes aircraft, railroad, and automotive equipment; explosions; pressure vessels and tanks; piping; boilers and steam generators; tubing; firearms; turbines and rotating equipment; and welded steel structures.
Previously, Dr. Rau held various research and engineering management positions with the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Division of the United Technology Corporation and Union Carbide Corporation. He has also taught in the Graduate School of Metallurgy at the University of Connecticut and lectured at Penn State University, UCLA, Lehigh University, and San Jose State University.