Dr. Charles R. O’Neill is available as an Ph.D. in aerospace and mechanical engineer, licensed pilot, and practicing physics and engineering consultant providing expert witness services in aviation, science, and related technical areas. I offer independent, scientifically grounded analysis and testimony covering aircraft performance, aerodynamics, flight dynamics, systems integration, unmanned aerial systems, thermodynamics, and the physical principles governing aviation and fluid-thermal systems. My combination of advanced academic credentials, industry rapid-prototyping experience, extensive flight operations, and experience in field-deployed remote sensing systems provides assistance to courts and counsel in understanding complex science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) evidence.
Qualifications and Credentials
Dr. O’Neill holds a Ph.D. in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Oklahoma State University. I am a Private Pilot with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL), Instrument Airplane, High Performance, and Complex ratings. I also hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate for small unmanned aircraft systems.
My professional career spans university faculty service as an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics at a Tier-1 / R-1 university, leadership of airborne remote-sensing research programs, rapid-prototyping aerodynamics work on a high-performance aircraft, and currently as the Director of Research for an aerospace and defense firm focused on radio frequency (RF) systems, electronic warfare, and tactical data links. I created Aerofluids LLC in 2013 specifically to provide aerospace, physics, and mathematics consulting, rapid prototyping, and development. Later, I included physics and engineering expert witness services.
Technical and Operational Expertise Relevant to Aviation Matters
Dr. O’Neill’s expertise centers on the physical and engineering principles that govern aircraft behavior and systems performance. I have created and simulated whole-aircraft computational fluid dynamics analyses for stability and control, loads, and performance estimation in time-critical design environments; developed rapid store-separation prediction methods that couple CFD with rigid-body dynamics; conducted low- and high-speed wind-tunnel testing and data reduction; developed, simulated, and marketed novel propulsion systems for rockets; and taught graduate and undergraduate courses in aerodynamics, aircraft performance, flight dynamics and control, flight-test engineering, and aircraft systems.
Operationally, I have designed, built, integrated, and flown both manned experimental aircraft and numerous unmanned aerial systems, including leading a competition-winning AIAA Design-Build-Fly aircraft and directing disaster-response UAS deployments following tornados and hurricanes. As the aerodynamics lead for the Remote Sensing Center at UA, I served as mission director for airborne radar surveys, integrating complex sensor systems onto research aircraft (including Twin Otter and light-sport platforms) and interfacing with pilots, mechanics, and support personnel under field conditions. This dual perspective, analytic engineering rigor combined with hands-on flight and systems experience, enables me to evaluate both theoretical predictions and real-world operational realities.
Additional relevant capabilities in my skills toolset are aircraft systems integration, radio-frequency and antenna systems as they relate to aviation platforms, mission planning and performance optimization, and the interpretation of flight-test and sensor data. My work has been documented in peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations spanning aerodynamics, airborne radar systems, building systems, and other related engineering topics.
Alignment with Federal Rule of Evidence 702
Federal Rule of Evidence 702 governs the admissibility of expert testimony in federal courts. The Rule provides that a witness who is qualified as an expert by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education may testify in the form of an opinion or otherwise if the proponent demonstrates to the court that it is more likely than not that: (a) the expert’s scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge will help the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue; (b) the testimony is based on sufficient facts or data; (c) the testimony is the product of reliable principles and methods; and (d) the expert’s opinion reflects a reliable application of the principles and methods to the facts of the case.
Dr. O’Neill satisfies the expert threshold requirement of specialized knowledge derived from education, training, and extensive practical experience. My opinions are grounded in established principles of aerodynamics, flight mechanics, aircraft performance, and systems engineering disciplines are widely accepted, peer-reviewed, and subject to known standards and error characterization. I investigate and apply these methods to the known facts and data, ensuring that conclusions remain within the bounds of supported science and engineering.
Scope of Testimony
Matters in which I am particularly well suited include aircraft performance and flight-path analysis; aerodynamic and stability-and-control issues; atmospherics, condensation, and water effects in aviation; flight-test and experimental data interpretation; systems integration and aircraft modification effects; unmanned aircraft systems design, performance, and operations; and the physical principles underlying aviation accidents or incidents. I am prepared to review technical documentation, perform independent analyses as needed, prepare written reports, and provide deposition and trial testimony.
Inquiries
Inquiries regarding availability, engagement terms, and conflict screening are best sent to oneill@aerofluids.com and (617) 449-8206. A short text message in lieu of a cold call is appreciated and signals careful attention to detail and a human presence. Additional information is available at charles-oneill.com.