Benjamin Knox, Ph.D., P.E. – Profile
Dr. Benjamin Knox is a Senior Engineer at Colwell Consulting where he provides engineering analyses of complex fluid and thermal processes, especially regarding the origin, cause and propagation of fires and explosions. He has conducted numerous fire origin and cause investigations involving recreational and passenger vehicles, marine vessels, lawn mowers, structures, electrical appliances, as well as industrial equipment. Dr. Knox also has experience in the analysis of fire related injuries, such as 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
Certifications
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 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