Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, Columbia University, 2012
  • M.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Columbia University, 2007
  • B.S., Integrated Business and Engineering, Lehigh University, 2006
  • B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, 2006
Licenses & Certifications
  • Professional Engineer Metallurgical, California, #1981
  • Professional Engineer Metallurgical, Louisiana, #PE.0048755
  • Professional Engineer, New York, #96866
  • Professional Engineer Metallurgical, Texas, #146086
  • American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Professional Honors
  • 2013 Graduate Student Life Award, Columbia University
Professional Affiliations
  • ASM International
  • ASTM International, ASTM Committee A01 Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
    • A01.02 Structural Steel for Bridges, Buildings, Rolling Stock, and Ships
    • A01.05 Steel Reinforcement
    • A01.05.01 Reinforcing Bars
    • A01.09 Carbon Steel Tubular Products
    • A01.22 Steel Forgings and Wrought Fittings for Piping Applications and Bolting Materials for Piping and Special Purpose Applications
    • A01.22.01 Bolting

Dr. Gabriel Ganot specializes in failure analysis of engineered components and systems. His specific areas of expertise include metallurgy, materials science, welding, corrosion, and fracture analysis. He consults in these areas directly with industry partners, and when called upon, testifies as a technical expert in litigation and international arbitration forums.

Overview

Dr. Ganot's work focuses on the performance of materials and metals and investigating numerous types of failures across multiple industries. He applies science and engineering fundamentals (such as fractography, fracture mechanics, microscopy, metallurgical analyses, and mechanical testing) to identify the root cause of failures. Holding a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification, Dr. Ganot analyzes failed welds in a variety of components and settings. Additionally, he has expertise in the use and application of many codes and industry standards (for example, API, AWS, ASME, ASTM, among others) relevant in various contexts. Dr. Ganot incorporates a multidisciplinary approach to solving unique and complex problems by leveraging Exponent's breadth and depth of expertise in other technical areas.

Oil & Gas, Pipelines, and Process Piping

Dr. Ganot has investigated failures in oil and gas systems, including transmission and distribution lines, process piping, and refinery equipment. He has evaluated process piping in other applications, such as wastewater treatment facilities, HVAC systems, and residential/commercial plumbing. In this area, he has analyzed failure mechanisms such as stress corrosion cracking, hydrogen embrittlement, fatigue, welding-related effects, and corrosion, among others. Generally, his analysis involves integrating both destructive and nondestructive examinations and applying relevant standards and codes (such as API-5C API 1104, API 579, ASME B31.3, ASME BPVC Section IX, among others).

Energy, Infrastructure, and Construction

Dr. Ganot has conducted extensive investigations into energy and power-generating equipment, industrial machinery, and large structures. In the energy sector, he has evaluated rotating machinery (turbines, pumps), diesel engines, and wind turbine generators. He has also performed failure investigations involving automotive components, industrial equipment, and machinery, including automobiles, forklifts, cranes, elevators, and other fabricated assemblies. In the built environment, Dr. Ganot has analyzed failures, metallurgical, and welding issues in civil and structural systems, including bridges, steel frame buildings, structural steels, reinforcing bars, and fastened connections. His work generally considers the relationship between the materials used, the fabrication method, and in-service loading conditions.

Welding and Welded Connections

As a CWI, Dr. Ganot has analyzed numerous welds in both large and small components. These include structural welds in buildings, process piping, and pressure vessels, all the way down to microscopic welds used in medical devices and consumer electronics. His investigations focus on weld metallurgy, weld practice, and inspection; for example, analysis of weld discontinuities, residual stress effects, in-service degradation mechanisms, and review of radiographic/ultrasonic inspection records. He has specific experience in the relevant codes and standards relating to weld procedures and inspections, including AWS D1.1, ASME BPVC Section IX, among others.

Medical Devices

Dr. Ganot has performed failure investigations of orthopedic implants, surgical instruments, stents, catheters, and other medical devices. These devices typically consist of stainless steel, titanium, and Nitinol alloys. Throughout these projects, a common theme is evaluating the interplay between patient factors, surgical factors, and the component itself.

Consumer Products and Consumer Electronics

Using his broad understanding of materials and mechanics, Dr. Ganot has also investigated a variety of consumer products and consumer electronics (including household items and appliances, handheld and power tools, recreational/sporting goods, cell phones, payment devices, and others). This work typically focuses on root-cause investigations into potential safety and recall issues as well as product liability.

Glass and Glazing

In addition to bulk metals, Dr. Ganot also has significant experience in the failure and fracture of glass products and components. These include windows/glazing, insulating glass units (IGUs), and consumer and industrial glass products (such as bottles, drinkware, and chemical handling products), among others. His analyses typically focus on the identification of the origin and cause of fracture, and what role environmental and/or manufacturing factors had in the root cause(s) of failure.

Professional Background

Dr. Ganot guest lectures on failure analysis at UC Davis and serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention. He also teaches courses for The American Society of Materials (ASM International) on metallurgy, failure analysis, and mechanical testing. Prior to joining Exponent, he was a Graduate Research Assistant at Columbia University where he received his doctoral degree in 2012, focused on material processing for advanced microelectronics. Additional examples of project experience are provided below. When he is not consulting on metallurgical-related issues, Dr. Ganot is Coach Gabe for his sons' Little League baseball teams.