Colin Sandwith - Research Associate Professor

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Oregon State University (PhD 1966)
Principal Mechanical Engineer, Applied Physics Laboratory

Contact Information

Phone: 206-543-1263
Fax: 206-543-6785
Email: sandy@apl.washington.edu

Biography

Area of expertise: Materials; corrosion; design; failure analysis by autopsy and reconstruction; seals; electro-fiber-optic cables and connectors; bioengineering.

As a Research Associate Prof. of ME, from 2000 - present, taught yearly Mechanical Engineering 406, Corrosion, in conjunction with Education at a Distance for Growth and Excellence (EDGE). From the early 1970s taught ME 406, Corrosion; Ocean Engineering 450, Marine Corrosion and numerous courses and lectures concerning materials (crystallography, metallurgy, thermodynamics, physical and mechanical behavior), manufacturing (welding, foundry, machining and advanced manufacturing processes), meteorology, design, drawings, testing, dimensional stability, wear-out modes, safety factors, bioengineering, statistics and failure analyses.

As a Principal Mechanical Engineer of Applied Physics Laboratory he is currently responsible for research, design and development of marine systems, fiber optic and electro-fiber-optical cables; ultrasound devices, vehicles, submarine and surface vessel components, cables; consult on corrosion and metallurgical problems; perform failure analysis by autopsy and reconstruction of recovered equipment, corrosion and materials program manager; and develop and teach Navy courses about corrosion, materials and O-rings.

Significant Experience: 1983 - 1992 - Principal Investigator/Director, U.S. Navy submarine and surface ship corrosion, materials and design inspection program. Documented by VHS videotape and written report: 27 attack submarines, 5 Trident submarines, and 7 fast frigates.

Honors and Awards

FDS Excellence Award for Outstanding Performance, FY 1994
American Defense Preparedness Association Special Achievement Award, Bronze Medal, 1989
Ralph Tettor Award (SAE), 1972
Gold Medal Valor Award, 1965, U.S. Department of Interior

Patents

Method of Determining Preferred Orientation in Metals, No. 2, 435, 688, Official Gazette, U.S. Patent Office, Vol. 861, No. 1, pp. 71, 04-01-69.c1.073-088

Publications

C. Sandwith with R. K. Kent, "Velocity-affected corrosion," with R.K. Kent, in Failure Analysis and Prevention, Vol. 11 of the ASM Handbook series, edited by W.T. Becker and R.J. Shipley, 788-795, Materials Park, OH, ASM International, 2002.

C. Sandwith and R.L. Ruedisueli, "Corrosion and Aging Tests-Via Measurements of Insulation Resistance, Impedance, and Electrochemical Noise-on Jackets of Small-Diameter, Armored, Fiber-Optic Cables with and without Simulated Biofouling Damage", Proceedings, Ocean Community Conference '98, November 16-18, pp. 5

C. Sandwith, W.D. McCormick, J.A. Thornton, D.R. Wise, and R.I. Odom, "Demonstration of Fiber-Strain Measurement Using a Brillouin Optical-Fiber Time Domain Analysis System," Proceedings, Ocean Community Conference '98, pp. 12.

C. Sandwith, M. Fager, E.W. Swenson, B. Burns and N. Maurer, "Single Node Test Report (Failure Analysis)," (in process).

C. Sandwith and R.L. Ruedisueli, "Corrosion Resistance of Certain Strength Wires Used in Samll Fiber-Optic Cables Exposed to Seawater," Oceans '97 MTS/IEEE Conference Proceedings, Vol. 2, 1997, pp.957-963.

C. Sandwith, W.D. McCormick, J.A. Thornton, D.R. Wise, and R.I. Odom, "Fiber-Strain Measurement Using Brillouin Optical-Fiber Time-Domain Analysis," Proceedings of Oceans '96 MTS/IEEE.