Firehole Technologies
Composites Analysis & Simulation
Webinar Series
Webinar Presenters
Jerad Stack
CEO, Firehole Technologies
Mr. Stack has over a decade of experience in the management and delivery of simulation
software for applications ranging from classified military satellites to commercial
aircraft to high-end computer servers. This broad experience in the industry has
given Jerad a keen understanding of both the business and technology of modeling
and simulation software.
Prior to taking the reins of Firehole in 2007, Mr. Stack worked for Raytheon's -
Space Systems Division where he lead teams in the development of customized simulation
software for national satellite systems. Prior to Raytheon, he was a Technical Consultant
for the enterprise software company Trilogy Inc. in Austin, Texas where he led teams
in the deployment and development of customized modeling software for Global 1000
technology companies such as Sun Microsystems, IBM, Boeing, and Hewlett-Packard.
Jerad holds an M.S. and B.S. both in Mechanical Engineering from the University
of Wyoming and has an (inactive) TS/SCI security clearance.
Emmett Nelson
COO, Firehole Technologies
Mr. Nelson is an expert in finite element analysis, multiscale simulation, and failure
and damage modeling with several years experience analyzing composite structures.
In recent years, he designed and supervised the research, development, and production
of Helius:MCT™ — Firehole’s flagship composites simulation package.
Prior to coming to Firehole, Mr. Nelson worked as a structural analyst for ATK Thiokol
Propulsion where he experienced firsthand the lack of sufficient analysis tools
for composites. It is this previous experience that drives Emmett to continue to
build better, more capable software for composites simulation.
Emmett is the author or co-author on over 20 technical publications and conference
papers — all related to analysis of composite materials and structures. He
is the Composites Section Chair for the 2009 NAFEMS World Congress and was the co-chair
for the Composites Failure Modeling section of the 2008 AIAA/SDM conference. He
holds an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming and B.S.
in Mechanical Engineering from North Dakota State University
Dr. Don Robbins
Chief Engineer, Firehole Technologies
Dr. Robbins is a computational mechanics expert with 20+ years experience in developing
finite element methodology and codes for the analysis of composites. He is the author
or co-author of over 25 refereed journal publications and invited chapters in books
in this area. His research has been well received by the research community, with
three of his journal papers having been cited in excess of 100 times each.
As the guidepost for technical innovation at Firehole, Don is a key contributor
to all company innovations and his technical competence is unparalleled. His responsibilities
include developing and executing technical strategies, winning and delivering on
research contracts and interacting with both industry and academic technical thought
leaders.
Prior to joining Firehole technologies, Dr. Robbins was a professor at the University
of Maryland. He also has previous industry experience at Michelin. Dr. Robbins holds
a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
(1994) and an M.S. and B.S. in Agricultural Engineering for Auburn University (1987,
1984).
Bill Wright
Director, Commercial Products and Engineering, Firehole Technologies
Bill has 30 years of technical and managerial experience. Prior to joining Firehole
Technologies in 2009, he was the Director of Mechanical Engineering for Orbital
Sciences Corporation; a firm responsible for building the Ground Missile Defense
System, launching communications and scientific satellites, and providing a variety
of other launch services dealing with domestic and international partners. Bill
developed his group (350+ engineers) into a variety of inter-dependent disciplines
to include: Computer Aided Design, Structural Test, Design & Integration, Analysis
and Materials.
Preceding his tenure at Orbital, Bill was an officer in the US Air Force Officer.
He flew C-130’s for 7 years in the active Air Force and 6 years in the Air Guard.
He was a Flight Evaluator, Flight Instructor, flew internationally on a regular
basis and participated in defense exercises world-wide.
Bill holds an M.S. and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming.