Alexander Becker

Experience

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  BHP

  Nov 2010 - Jan 2011

  Vacation Student
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  Implats

  Nov 2011 - Jan 2012

  Vacation Student
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  University of Cape Town

  Jan 2014 - Jan 2017

  After the completion of my undergraduate degree (B.Sc Mechanical Engineering), I undertook a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Cape town. I completed this degree by full dissertation, with a thesis titled “The Effect of Laser Shock Peening and Shot Peening on the Fatigue Performance of Aluminium Alloy 7075”. My dissertation required that I be trained/ exposed to several metallographic/analysis techniques (as well as these techniques respective testing machines), including; i) hardness and micro-hardness testing, ii) metallographic samples sectioning, mounting and polishing techniques, ii) sample etching, iii) sample microscopy, iv) tensile testing, v) 3-point bend fatigue testing, vi) fracture toughness testing, vii) shot peening, and viii) laser shock peening. During the course of my Master’s research I presented my findings at two conferences, including at i) the UCT Material’s Lab Seminar, as well as ii) at the 6th International Conference on Laser Peening and Related Phenomena (06/11 - 11/11/2016). Show less

  • Master of Science, - MS, Mechanical Engineering, Awarded with Distinction

    Jan 2014 - Jan 2017

  • Head Tutor

    Jan 2014 - Jan 2016
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  Origen Engineering Solutions

  Aug 2016 - Nov 2019

  Mechanical Engineer

  With my previous employer I worked as a consultant mechanical engineer at a company specialising in the analysis of faulty components and machinery. With this company, I actively led over 45 failure investigations incorporating aspects of design, fatigue and fracture mechanics, analytical calculations, metallurgical and materials analysis, static and dynamic load analysis as well as stress/strain analysis for a broad spectrum of clients, including De Beers Marine, ESKOM and National Oilwell Varco (NOV). Detailed analysis undertaken during the aforementioned investigations has helped me to gain an understanding of the operation and design of numerous (failed) components, as well as the systems in which these components operate. The typical investigation process requires insight, logical thinking and problem solving in order to establish the root cause behind the failure being investigated. After potential failure causes have been established, suggested solutions and/or design modifications are presented to clients in court-ready technical reports. I was also responsible for undertaking research and assisting in the development of several products currently development by the company for industrial applications. Show less

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  John Crane

  Sept 2020 - Oct 2022

  Reliability Engineer
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  MAN Energy Solutions

  Oct 2022 - now

  Application Engineer