General procedure of failure analysis: Steps — Lesson 3

This lesson covers the subject of failure analysis and prevention, focusing on the general procedure used in the failure analysis of metallurgical or mechanical components. It discusses the purpose of failure analysis, which is to identify the primary causes of failure that lead to the disruption of services. The lesson also explains the importance of understanding the material of the component, the manufacturing processes used, and the service conditions under which the component has worked. It further elaborates on the steps involved in failure analysis, including collection of background information, preliminary examination, non-destructive testing (NDT), mechanical property characterization, macroscopic and microscopic examination, and analysis of findings. The lesson concludes with the preparation of a report and making suitable recommendations based on the identified causes of failure.

Video Highlights

01:04 - Importance of identifying primary causes of failure.
06:35 - Explanation of when failure analysis should be applied.
13:15 - Discussion on the importance of avoiding hurriedness in failure analysis.
23:12 - Discussion on the importance of assessing the presence of discontinuities and defects in the failed component.

Key Takeaways

- Failure analysis helps identify the primary causes of failure in metallurgical or mechanical components.
- Understanding the material, manufacturing processes, and service conditions of the component is crucial in failure analysis.
- The steps in failure analysis include collection of background information, preliminary examination, NDT, mechanical property characterization, macroscopic and microscopic examination, and analysis of findings.
- The findings from the failure analysis are used to prepare a report and make suitable recommendations to prevent similar failures in the future.