Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2017
  • M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2015
  • B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Auburn University, 2012
Licenses & Certifications
  • Professional Engineer, Georgia, #PE048670
  • Professional Engineer, North Carolina, #053885
Professional Affiliations
  • The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
  • The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)

Dr. Perrella uses his fluid dynamics expertise and broad knowledge of mechanical engineering to solve complex, multi-disciplinary problems for clients in a wide variety of industries. His experience encompasses industrial equipment and manufacturing systems (i.e. centrifugal compressors, natural gas liquefaction, hydroelectric power production, large-scale food processing, industrial ducting and HVAC), consumer products (i.e. espresso machines, milk frothers, and coffee cups), medical devices (i.e. peristaltic pumps, ventricular assist devices, and cryo-saunas), and defense (i.e. tactical cryocooler design, failure analysis, and reliability).

Dr. Perrella is a seasoned experimentalist who specializes in developing custom experimental setups. He is proficient in a variety of measurement techniques and is well-versed in measurement uncertainly and repeatability analysis. Dr. Perrella adapts novel, scientific techniques from the laboratory to industry by condensing complex concepts into practical, targeted solutions that address the diverse needs of his clients. Dr. Perrella applies fundamental engineering principles to nebulous real-world problems to efficiently identify the core issues underlying a challenge and quickly develop solutions. He also has expertise in the detailed modeling of complex thermal and fluid systems incorporating multi-mode heat transfer, buoyancy effects, pipe flow, and porous media hydrodynamics.

Dr. Perrella has applied his expertise in fluid dynamics and cryogenic refrigeration to solve problems involving the design, testing, and production of cryogenic cooling devices, linear electric motors, and thermal management systems. Before joining Exponent, Dr. Perrella worked as a cryocooler engineer who led the design and sustainment of multiple tactical cryocooler product lines and was intimately involved in all stages of the manufacturing process. His experience with the development and manufacture of defense articles for prime contractors spans conceptual design, detailed design, material procurement, production readiness assessment, and verification testing. Dr. Perrella is proficient at troubleshooting Stirling cryocoolers and similar devices and possesses hands-on experience with performance evaluation, reliability testing, root-cause analysis, and failure analysis due to material defects, vendor defects, and workmanship. He is conversant in geometric tolerancing, machining best practices, and evaluating components against various MIL-STD and ASME specifications. His doctoral research involved the development of hydrodynamic resistance parameters for oscillating fluid flow through the porous media of cryocooler regenerators at cryogenic temperatures and the theoretical modeling of novel pulse-tube cryocooler concepts for space applications.