Benjamin Knox, Ph.D., P.E. – Profile
Dr. Benjamin Knox is a Managing Engineer at Colwell Consulting where he specializes in the engineering analysis of mechanical and electrical systems, especially regarding the origin, cause and propagation of fires and explosions. Dr. Knox has performed numerous fire origin and cause investigations over a broad range of environments including residential and commercial structures, industrial complexes, vehicles, and wildland. His project experience includes technical analysis of home appliances, oilfield operations, propane and natural gas systems, grid-scale energy storage systems, heating and cooling systems, lithium-ion batteries, electrical distribution equipment, cannabis-related facilities, and intellectual property matters. He has also applied his expertise to the investigation of fires involving heavy trucks, passenger automobiles (conventional, hybrid, and electric), recreational and off-road vehicles, rail, small watercraft, and large marine vessels. Dr. Knox has also evaluated fire related injuries including burns, carbon monoxide poisoning, and smoke inhalation.
Dr. Knox has published scientific articles in the areas of flame dynamics, burn pattern analysis, spray dynamics, autoignition, pollutant formation/oxidation, and detonations. Applications of his research include vehicular failure analysis and prevention, engine combustion strategies, as well as industrial spraying processes.
Dr. Knox has held graduate research assistant positions in the Combustion Laboratory at the Georgia Institute of Technology as well as The State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Knox has also held positions at the Air Force Research Laboratory (Wright-Patterson Air Force Base) and Caterpillar Inc.
Education
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, The State University of New York at Buffalo
B.S., Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, The State University of New York at Buffalo
Licenses and Certifications
Registered Professional Mechanical Engineer, Arizona, #70504
40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER)
Fire Investigation 1A: Fire Origin and Cause Determination accredited by the California State Fire Marshal
Advanced Cognitive Interviewing & Forensic Statement Analysis certified by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training
Professional Honors
Principal Member for NFPA Technical Committee on Fire Protection of Cannabis Growing and Processing Facilities (CGP-AAA)
Principal Member for NFPA Technical Committee on Recreational Vehicles (REC-AAA)
Best Paper Award, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2014
Society of Automotive Engineers Excellence in Oral Presentation, 2014 and 2016
Georgia Institute of Technology President’s Fellowship, 2011-2015
Air Force Research Laboratory Summer Faculty Fellowship, 2009-2011
Mark Diamond Research Fund Grant, 2011
Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Grant, 2008