Robert Pires, Author at Hill Engineering

Hill Engineering Vlog: Strain Gaging

by Robert Pires

Strain gages are key tools when performing residual stress measurements. By tracking the electrical resistance change of the strain gage foil, we can evaluate strain through material deformation. In our vlog presented below, we demonstrate how to apply a strain gage on an aluminum tensile specimen. While the setup described in the video is simple, we are capable of applying strain gages to much more complex geometries to fit the needs of our residual stress tests. For more information or any questions about your residual stress needs, please contact us.

Land of Wolves

by Robert Pires

This past holiday season, every employee of Hill Engineering was generously gifted a copy of “Land of Wolves: The Return of Lincoln’s Bodyguard.” This book was written by Hill Engineering friend and collaborator, TJ Turner. The historical fiction thriller—set in an alternative historical timeline in which Abraham Lincoln was saved from assassination—is the page-turning sequel to “Lincoln’s Bodyguard,” which was also gifted to the Hill Engineering employees back in 2015. Continue reading Land of Wolves

A visit from Dale Ball

by Robert Pires

Hill Engineering recently played host to Dale Ball, a longtime friend and collaborator. Dale is a Senior Fellow working for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, and has been involved in a number of high-profile US Air Force projects, including the F-16, F-22, and F-35 aircraft. After delivering a riveting seminar about the progression of aircraft design since the inception of the Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP), we had the chance to inquire about Dale’s career – what drives him and what he foresees for the future of aircraft design.

National Museum of the US Air Force

by Robert Pires

Recently, some members of Hill Engineering visited the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. With more than 360 aircraft and missiles in house, the museum is the largest military aviation museum in the world. Continue reading National Museum of the US Air Force

How We Work

by Robert Pires

Maintaining the high quality of our work is our top priority. That’s why it’s important that our office environment promotes efficiency and qualitative communication here at Hill Engineering. From a project’s inception until its close, we strive to keep a workflow that handles our customer’s needs with consistent attention and care. Continue reading How We Work

A Feast of Fall Festivities

by Robert Pires

The Hill Engineering employees took a quick break from all the residual stress analysis to partake in a few fall-themed festivities this season. We recognize that enjoying quality time together is an important way to strengthen our resolve as a team. What better way to do that than through everybody’s favorite activities: pumpkin carving and food! Continue reading A Feast of Fall Festivities

Senior Design Project

by Robert Pires

Senior Design or Capstone Projects are a common culmination to an engineering degree. The general consensus is that the projects are beneficial for the students by providing a helpful learning experience and portfolio boost. Continue reading Senior Design Project

Axes & Alloys mix metal with music!

by Robert Pires

Who says engineers don’t know how to have fun?

Axes & Alloys is a band comprised of six of Hill Engineering’s employees. Formed out of a shared love for all things rock n’ roll (or maybe pop, country, and some rock), the Axes got our start around three years ago, with original members Teresa (lead vocals), Adrian (guitar), and Brett (guitar). Their casual rehearsal format eventually welcomed Camille as the keyboardist, Robby as a second singer and keyboardist, and Justin as drummer. Continue reading Axes & Alloys mix metal with music!

Opening Up with the Interns

by Robert Pires

Every summer, Hill Engineering hires university students as interns; aiming to give them insight into industry jobs and provide them with the experience they’ll need to develop their careers post-graduation. We pride ourselves on involving interns in projects which utilize and further explore the concepts they have learned in school. In the past, we’ve had many positive outcomes from our internship program. The interns have delivered fresh perspective on our projects and a few have even transferred to full-time employment at Hill Engineering. This year, we welcome three students into our summer internship program. Continue reading Opening Up with the Interns

We love planes

by Robert Pires

The dawn of the airplane changed the way we humans viewed the world. In a relatively short amount of time, travel across oceans was reduced from a month or more onboard a sea vessel to a few hours in the air. Getting from one side of the country to the other no longer meant spending days on a train, but a quick flight across state borders. It’s easy to see why planes were welcomed so eagerly into modern society.

But beyond convenience, have you ever taken the time to just consider the technology behind airplanes and what they are capable of? Continue reading We love planes