David Clayton, Ph.D.

Dr. Clayton specializes in mechanical and chemical engineering, including the engineering analysis of combustion, thermal, and fluid processes. He applies his expertise to the investigation and prevention of fires and explosions, including cause and origin analyses. He has investigated numerous fire and explosion incidents associated with chemical and industrial facilities, industrial combustion equipment, residential dwellings, and consumer products.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Clayton was a Visiting Researcher at the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials in Daejeon, South Korea. His research focused on experimental investigation of the propagation characteristics and instabilities of laminar edge-flames. During this time, Dr. Clayton studied advancing and retreating flame fronts in both premixed and nonpremixed configurations. Additionally, he also has extensive experience with flame visualization techniques such as Schlieren, shadowgraph, and high-speed camera imaging in the context of reactive and non-reactive flows.

As part of his graduate work, Dr. Clayton was a Research Assistant in the Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. During this time he collaborated with NASA engineers on radiation induced flows and transport phenomena by designing and conducting microgravity experiments in the 2.2 Second Drop Tower facility located at the NASA Glenn Research Center.

Clayton D, Cha MS, Ronney P. Propagation rates and stability modes of low Lewis number edge-flames in a counterflow slot burner. Spring Technical Meeting, Combustion Institute, Western States Section, Los Angeles, CA, March 17–18, 2008.

Clayton D. Experimental investigation of the propagation and extinction of edge-flames. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, 2007.

Clayton D. Study of edge-flame propagation rates. 8th Doctoral Students Conference, Association of Pacific Rim Universities, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan, July 30–August 3, 2007.

Clayton D, Cha MS, Ronney P. Propagation and extinction of premixed edge-flames in a counterflow slot burner. 5th U.S. Combustion Meeting, Combustion Institute, San Diego, CA, March 25–28, 2007.

Clayton D, Cha MS, Ronney P. Edge flame propagation for twin premixed counterflow slot burner. Proceedings, Korean Society of Combustion 2006; 33:60–64.

Clayton D, Cha MS, Ronney P. Propagation rates of premixed edge-flames. Poster, 31st International Symposium on Combustion, Combustion Institute, Heidelberg, Germany, August 6–11, 2006.

Clayton D, Cha MS, Ronney P. Characteristics of edge flames for premixed flames in a counterflow slot burner. Proceedings, Korean Society of Combustion 2006; 32:7–12.

Mackin T, Noe S, Ball K, Bedell B, Bim-Merle D, Bingaman M, Bomleny D, Chemlir G, Clayton D, Evans H, Gau R, Hart J, Karney J, Kiple B, Kaluga R, Kung P, Law A, Lim D, Merema R, Miller B, Miller T, Nielson T, O’Shea T, Olson M, Padilla H, Penner B, Penny C, Peterson R, Polidoro V, Raghu A, Resor B, Robinson B, Schambach D, Snyder B, Tom E, Tschantz R, Walker B, Wasielewski K, Web T, Wise S, Yang R, Zimmerman R. Thermal cracking in disc brakes. Engineering Failure Analysis 2000; 9:63–76.

Reports

Reza A, Clayton D. Hazard Evaluation of Foam Dust Accumulations in the Rebond Department at Flexible Foam Products, Inc., Archbald Pennsylvania. Exponent Failure Analysis Associates, September 2008.

Reza A, Clayton D. Iron Mountain Dust Explosion Investigation. Exponent Failure Analysis Associates, March 2008.

Saraf S, Medhekar S, Reza A, Dillon S, Lieberman D, Clayton D. BP Whiting Refinery - RGP/PGP Storage Area Gap Analysis. Prepared for BP Products America Inc., Whiting Business Unit. Exponent Failure Analysis Associates, November 2007.

Invited Lecture

Clayton D. Propagation and extinction characteristics of edge-flames in a counterflow slot-jet burner. Shibaura Institute of Technology, Tokyo, Japan, July 26, 2007.

• Visiting Researcher, Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials, 2005–2007
• Research Assistant, University of Southern California, Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Department, 2000–2007
• Intern, Seagate Technology, 2000
• Teaching Assistant, Augustana College, Physics and Astronomy Department, 1996–1998
  

Evaluated dust explosion hazard potential at foam padding manufacturing facility. Inspected facility, collected samples, and directed lab analysis in appropriate explosion hazard testing protocols. Hazard analysis conducted in accordance with OSHA Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program, NFPA 654 and National Material Advisory Board 353.

Conducted an engineering investigation of a paper dust explosion at a document destruction facility. Investigation included facility and equipment inspections, evidence collection, laboratory analysis, and explosion calculations.

Fire origin and cause investigations. Projects included residential buildings, petrochemical refineries, passenger trains, and oceangoing vessels. Investigations included site inspections, photo documentation, evidence collection, interviews, chemical sampling, calculations, and establishing laboratory testing protocols.

Assisted in product development of automobile air conditioner refrigerant by testing possible hazardous scenarios. Conducted concentration and flammability tests in both passenger and engine compartments to simulate post-accident refrigerant releases.

Evaluated the extent of smoke damage to the interior and exterior of residential buildings due to nearby wildfires. Analysis included surface sampling, air sampling, chemical testing of materials and evaluation of smoke plume travel.

• Combustion Institute (member)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (member)
• National Fire Protection Association (member)