Fracture Initiation caused by raw material non metallic elements and compounds
Metallurgical Failure Analysis Procedure:
In the course of the various steps listed below preliminary hypothesis are often
formulated. If the probable fundamental cause of the metallurgical failure becomes evident early on in the examination, the rest of the investigation would focus on confirming the probable cause and eliminating other possibilities. The metallurgical failure analyst compiles the results of preliminary conclusions carefully considering all aspects of the failure including visual examination of the
fracture surface, full SEM fracture topography to determine failure mode and initiation, the inspection of metallographic specimens to understand the raw material condition, the heat treat condition, and conduct tests such as microhardness, and EDS analysis.
Notes to our customers when considering a failure analysis:
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Be sure to handle the failure with care and as little as possible preserving all fracture surfaces and keeping components and fragments from touching each other.
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Be sure to wrap the fractures with plastic or cloth without introducing contamination.
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Ship ALL components and fragments to ATRONA and inform us if any testing or preparation was conducted on the samples prior to shipment.
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Ship the failed components to ATRONA as soon as feasible to prevent further damage or corrosion.
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Please be sure to include engineering prints or specifications and proper sample identification. Any history of “what happened” before, during, and after including service hours and operator testimony would be helpful.
Our principal metallurgist has been retained as an expert witness on this subject, and has authored papers and conducted presentations on Failure Analysis.
After determining the cause of Failure, we will work with you on corrective action and make appropriate recommendations to solve the problem. If the solution requires investigation of the current design's structural integrity we will evaluate local structural stresses and strains. We can also evaluate the stress impact on the failed part in an assembly during static loading conditions.
