Henry A. McKenna, P.E.

35 Hubbard Road
Weston MA 02493

Tel: (781) 235-1129
Fax: (781) 235-1129

E-mail: mckenna@tensiontech.com

Hank McKenna has 40 years experience as an engineer and marketer. He has worked in mechanical engineering and marine systems design on an international scale. As Division Manager for a marine equipment manufacturer, he introduced new products and established various manufacturing facilities. He was associated for twelve years with a major fiber rope producer, where he gained a world-wide reputation in the design and application of ropes for high performance service. Since forming Tension Technology International, he has served as an advisor to several rope manufacturers and fiber producers, consulted to several offshore contractors, designed barge and supply boat moorings and riser protection systems, and conducted many accident investigations.

Education

Bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering, University of Santa Clara, California, 1955

Graduate study in mechanics, structures and materials, University of Santa Clara, California, 1962 to 1965

Professional

• Registered professional engineer (California)
• Member American Society of Mechanical Engineers (member B30-9 Committee; this body sets American national standards for sling safety)
• Former Chairman, Technical Committee, Cordage Institute; currently active member of Technical Committee.
• Member Marine Technology Society
• Member Associated Wire Rope Fabricators (fiber rope and vehicle cargo tie-down subcommittees)
• Advisor to or trade groups setting performance or safety standards for rope applications.
• Author of papers on rope technology and rope applications

Academe

University instructor in engineering - mechanics, material science and machine design (5 years) (University of Santa Clara, California)

Industrial

• Manager of engineering for large synthetic rope engineering and fabrication organization. Directed design, R&D and quality assurance for rope systems, production and application engineering (9 years)
• Division manager for a company that designed, manufactured and sold a variety of advanced marine products and technical services including mooring systems and deck machinery (3 years)
• Project manager for large marine systems for transportation, underwater operations, offshore oil and defense (3 years)
• Chief engineer for firm producing winching machinery for ropes and cables for marine, utility and construction industries (4 years)
• Project engineer for missile handling system for large defense contractor (3 years)

Current Position

• President, Tension Technology International, Inc. (16 years)
• Active consultant to manufacturers and users of synthetic fiber ropes and cables
• Provides expert analysis and testimony for accidents and litigation involving fiber ropes, cables, rigging equipment and rope related machinery

Areas of expertise

• Cordage, ropes and cables of natural and synthetic fibers; wire rope and chain.
• Rope and cable applications for industrial, utility, construction, manufacturing and marine industries
• Offshore oil and maritime operations, especially towing, mooring and handling systems.
• System and machinery design.
• Management of mooring system design and research projects for the offshore oil industry.
• Ocean engineering
• Engineering documentation and quality assurance programs
• Machine design, particularly: winches, cable handling equipment, hoisting equipment, hydraulic drives & controls, gear drives.
• Materials experience: textiles, fibers, plastic foams, polyurethanes, heat treatable and corrosion resistant alloys, gearing.

General summary

Extensive experience is found in the following areas:

• expertise in all types of fiber rope for applications in consumer, commercial, industrial, recreational, military, and marine areas;
• rope and sling terminations and other fittings;
• rope manufacturing techniques and quality assurance;
• fiber rope industry sales and distribution practices;
• technology of fiber materials;
• mechanical engineering, particularly in machinery and rope systems design;
• accident investigations involving ropes and rope related machinery;
• frequently testified at trials and depositions as expert witness in rope related matters;
• author of technical papers on fiber rope technology;
• advised commercial vessel operators and US Navy on deck machinery and fittings.