General procedure of failure analysis: Microscopy of fracture surfaces — Lesson 3

This lesson covers the subject of failure analysis and prevention, focusing on the general procedure of failure analysis and the microscopy of fracture surfaces, also known as micro fractography. The lesson delves into the importance of understanding microscopic fracture mechanisms, the role of dimples, cleavage facets, intergranular fractures, and striations in identifying the type of fracture, and the conditions under which the fracture has occurred. It also discusses the use of optical microscopy and electron microscopy in conducting micro fractography. The lesson provides insights into how microscopic features on fracture surfaces can help identify the type of load, service conditions, and manufacturing conditions that led to the failure.

Video Highlights

01:08 - Description of the use of various microscopes for failure analysis.
04:17 - Explanation of the concept of ductile and brittle fractures.
13:14 - Explanation of how to conduct micro fractography using optical microscopy and electron microscopy.
20:34 - Discussion on the microscopic fracture features such as dimples, cleavage facets, inter granular fractures, and striations.

Key Takeaways

- Understanding microscopic fracture mechanisms is crucial in failure analysis.
- Dimples, cleavage facets, intergranular fractures, and striations are key microscopic features that help identify the type of fracture.
- Optical microscopy and electron microscopy are commonly used for micro fractography.
- Microscopic features on fracture surfaces can help identify the type of load, service conditions, and manufacturing conditions that led to the failure.