VP Research and Development
Oxygen Systems Specialist
16 yrs. with WHA

BS, Mechanical Engineering
New Mexico State University
1983
Reg. Professional Engineer
New Mexico State Board of Registration
1994

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      Barry Newton, BSME, PE (WHA VP for Research & Development) has been involved in pneumatic system design and testing for the past 24 years while working for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) during 1981 to 1989 and for Wendell Hull & Associates, Inc. (WHA) from 1989 to the present. From 1983 to 1989 he managed the materials testing, pressure system qualification, and oxygen compatibility special projects performed at WSTF for the Shuttle Orbiter pneumatic systems and ground support equipment. From 1986 to 1989 he also acted as facility manager for the NASA-WSTF Materials Test Facility where the hazardous flammability and compatibility testing for the Johnson Space Center was performed. Since joining WHA in 1989, he has consulted with private industry and government evaluating pneumatic system/component failures, structural and component fires, breathing system design and evaluation for the US NAVY and Canadian NAVY, oxygen fire risk analysis on industrial and medical oxygen systems, and has managed the WHA Oxygen Fire Hazards Training courses. He was the primary engineer involved in the development of the WHA pressure system cycling capabilities, fuel gas (hydrogen, acetylene, and LP gas) combustion test systems, Nitrogen Trifluoride (NF3) materials test systems, and oxygen materials/components test capabilities including WHA's Component/Materials Adiabatic Compression, Autogenous Ignition Temperature (AIT), and Metals Promoted Combustion test systems. In addition to these failure analysis and test activities, he coordinates materials and components testing between commercial industry and NASA-WSTF and is an active member of ASTM’s Committee G04 on Flammability and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen-Enriched Environments and the NFPA 99, “Health Care Facilities”, Technical Committee for Hyperbaric and Hypobaric Facilities.