Failure Analysis

Abstract

In spite of best of efforts failures do happen in industries resulting in complete breakage or localized damage that may lead to failure. Economy demands that recurrences of such incidence are minimized by failure investigation. The study involves identification and quantification of damage in the equipment using (i) visual, (ii) NDT, and (iii) replica examination. In case of failed components additional data on mechanical properties, metallurgical details, fracture mode, etc. can be generated to give better understanding of causes of failure. The analysis of data generated along with operating conditions help in finding the root cause of failure. Once the conclusion is reached the recommendation should take into account the feasibility of its implementation. The chapter describes various field and laboratory tests for conducting destructive and non destructive tests. It has been suggested that depending on nature and increasing complexity of damage, the failure analysis can be carried out in-plant with available expertise, or in centralized testing or R&D facility of a large corporation or with the help of an outside organization having necessary expertise.