Consulting Engineers

dr. Gary J. Fowler,
Metallurgical Engineer

Dr. Gary J. Fowler is a registered professional metallurgical engineer and founder of Fowler, Inc., an engineering consulting firm specializing in metallurgy, materials science, failure analysis and experimental testing. Dr. Fowler received his Ph.D. in 1976 from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) majoring in Metallurgy and Metals Processing with minors in Materials Science and Product Reliability. Research studies for his doctoral dissertation addressed fracture mechanisms in metals, focusing on the effects of metallurgical variables (e.g. microstructure, inclusion content) on crack initiation and crack growth in steel. After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Fowler pursued his professional career working in the area of metallurgy, materials science and failure analysis. Over the last 30 years, he has analyzed thousands of components and mechanical systems for the purpose of determining the root cause for failure. Dr. Fowler has lectured on a university level at UCLA and the University of Southern California on topics relating to his work including the methodology for analyzing failed components and investigative laboratory techniques. He operates a laboratory facility in Gardena, California for metallurgical analysis and experimental testing. Specialized Professional Competence Metallurgy and materials science; fracture modes and mechanical properties of metals; failure analysis of components and mechanical systems; fracture surface analysis; environmentally induced cracking studies; high and low temperature fracture studies; failure analysis and fracture of welded structures; corrosion related studies; influence of metallurgical variables on fracture behavior; failure criteria; fracture mechanics; fatigue life prediction; fatigue analysis and testing; impact studies; experimental mechanical testing; nondestructive testing and evaluation; scanning electron microscopy; energy and wavelength dispersive spectroscopy; microanalysis; methodology for conducting failure analysis and laboratory techniques.