- M.B.A., Marketing/Finance, Cleveland State University, 1982
- Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 1972
- M.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, 1969
- B.S., Metallurgy, Case Institute of Technology, 1968
- Professional Engineer, Alabama, #29848
- Professional Engineer Mechanical, California, #23275
- Professional Engineer, Florida, #37207
- Professional Engineer, Georgia, #PE036205
- Professional Engineer Metallurgical, Louisiana, #PE.0034064
- Professional Engineer, Mississippi, #25349
- Professional Engineer, New York, #93691
- Professional Engineer, Ohio, #PE.44024
- Professional Engineer, Virginia, #402015492
- Professional Engineer Mechanical, Wyoming, #PE 11899
- Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship, 1970-1972
- Member, Board of Directors of the Fannie and John Hertz Foundation
Dr. Swanger is a Principal Engineer in Exponent's Miami, Florida, office. His consulting work centers on the application of the principles of mechanical engineering, metallurgical and materials engineering, thermodynamics, and design engineering to issues related to incidents involving performance of engineered products and systems, accident reconstruction, and failure or fracture of system components.
Dr. Swanger also consults on issues of patent infringement and patent validity in the mechanical and materials arts. More specifically, Dr. Swanger's experience includes the analysis of machinery dynamics and kinetics as exemplified by internal combustion engines of both piston and turbine configuration, as well as related compressor designs. His materials and metallurgical experience includes alloy applications, heat treatment, electrochemistry and corrosion, welding and brazing, and materials testing. He applies his combined expertise in both mechanical engineering and materials/metallurgical engineering to issues of fatigue and fracture, and mechanical joining via threaded fasteners.
Applications of these disciplines include systems in nuclear and fossil power plants, components of transportation systems on land, sea, and air, industrial manufacturing processes, components of commercial and residential buildings, materials used in the petroleum and chemical industries, machinery and processes for vapor degreasing and dry cleaning, and consumer products including sports equipment and kitchen appliances.
Dr. Swanger has a particular interest in engine design and performance, with an emphasis on combustion, operational stresses, lubrication and bearing design and performance. He received a U.S. Patent for his engine bearing material and fabrication process.