Author: Robby Pires-Sturm
-
Meet Mike Prime: Pioneer of Contour Method Residual Stress Testing
When discussing residual stress measurements, few names are as influential as Mike Prime. A recognized expert in the behavior of metals under extreme conditions, Mike has made significant contributions to engineering, manufacturing, and materials science throughout his career. After attending UC Berkeley where he studied under one of the leaders in the residual stress community,…
-
Milestone 10th Anniversary at Gold Canal Facility
Last week, we highlighted a legacy post celebrating our first anniversary at (what was our) new location in Rancho Cordova. Today, we’re updating that post for the milestone Tenth Anniversary on Gold Canal Drive! Originally, we moved into our current location due to an increased demand for office, laboratory, and storage space. For years, our…
-
Hill Engineering Hosts Family-Friendly Board and Video Game Party Night
Hill Engineering recently traded residual stress measurements for friendly competition, hosting a lively board and video game night for team members and their families. The event brought colleagues together outside work hours (though still in the office), creating a relaxed atmosphere filled with camaraderie and a little bit of rivalry. Guests enjoyed plenty of pizza…
-
Legacy Post: USAF Damage Tolerance Design Philosophy
In the early days of aviation, the concept of fatigue life was not a prime consideration in design. Aircraft did not typically have a long service life and were designed based on ultimate strength. Early aircraft failures occurred due to component/system failures, combat damage, and pilot error. Aircraft did not typically last long enough for…
-
Hill Engineering Looks Ahead to Residual Stress Technology Conference 2026 in Quebec City
Hill Engineering is looking forward to the Residual Stress Technology Conference 2026, taking place September 28 through October 1 in Quebec City, Canada. This dynamic event brings together engineers, researchers, and industry leaders to explore the latest advances in residual stress science and their impact on material performance. RSTC 2026 marks an important evolution in…
-
Legacy Post: How Tensile Testing Works: A Brief Introduction to Material Strength Testing (Aug 2017)
A tensile test is a standard method used by material scientists and engineers to determine important material strength and ductility properties. For example, tensile tests can be used to measure the yield strength of a material, which is defined as the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically. Hill Engineering has ample experience…
-
Hill Engineering’s “Dinklebergs” Serve Up Fun and Victory
The lives of Hill Engineering team members may be all about residual stress, but when it’s time to relieve stress, we’re taking it to the courts. The pickleball courts, that is. Hill Engineering’s Teresa and Ryan have taken their teamwork beyond the office and onto the realm of America’s hottest new pass-time. Along with Ryan’s…
-
Contour Method Chapter Featured in ASM Handbook Volume 25A
ASM Handbooks has published a new chapter in Residual Stress Fundamentals, Volume 25A: The Contour Method for 2D Residual Stress Mapping. Authored by Michael Prime and Hill Engineering’s own Adrian DeWald, the chapter delivers an in-depth exploration of one of our most powerful and popular residual stress measurement techniques. Below is the abstract text: This…
-
Hill Highlights: RD Pires releases book 2 in his epic saga “The Tides That Reign”
At Hill Engineering, our work is driven not just by technical rigor, but by the people behind it. While taking pride in delivering industry-leading solutions for residual stress measurement, we also believe in celebrating the passions that make our team unique! It just so happens to be my turn this time around! Last summer, I…
-
Effects of Welded Pipe Trimming on Residual Stress Measurements: a new case study
Hill Engineering has published a new technical case study, Effects of Trimming on Welded Pipe Residual Stress Measurements, exploring how sectioning on a welded pipe influences the residual stress state within the weld region and what that means for accurate measurement planning. Residual stress from welding plays a critical role in structural performance, combining with…