On-Line Newsletter Vol.
Failure analysis consists of investigations to find out how and why something failed.
Understanding the actual reason for failures is absolutely required to avoid recurrence and prevent failure in similar equipment. The analysis should also help with the understanding and improvement of design, materials selection, fabrication techniques, and inspection methods. This article reviews the steps to follow when conducting a full failure analysis investigation. Significant deviation from this recommended hierarchy may prevent crucial evaluation techniques through damage caused by previous tests. Naturally, methods may be added or deleted from this sequence provided consideration is given to the best order of analyses.