Failure Analysis Services

Expert investigation and analysis to determine the root causes of material and component failures

Comprehensive Failure Investigation

When components fail, understanding why is crucial for preventing future failures, improving designs, and ensuring safety. Our experienced metallurgists provide thorough failure analysis using advanced analytical techniques and decades of expertise.

Our Investigation Process

1

Initial Assessment

Careful examination of the failed component, documentation of the failure, and collection of service history and operating conditions.

2

Detailed Analysis

Microscopic examination, chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and advanced characterization techniques to understand the failure mechanism.

3

Root Cause Determination

Integration of all findings to identify the primary cause of failure and any contributing factors.

4

Recommendations

Practical recommendations for preventing similar failures, including material selection, design modifications, or process improvements.

Advanced Analysis Techniques

Microscopy & Fractography

  • • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
  • • Optical microscopy
  • • Fracture surface analysis
  • • Crack propagation studies
  • • Microstructural evaluation

Material Characterization

  • • Chemical composition analysis
  • • Mechanical property testing
  • • Hardness mapping
  • • Grain size analysis
  • • Phase identification

Corrosion Analysis

  • • Corrosion mechanism identification
  • • Pitting and crevice corrosion
  • • Stress corrosion cracking
  • • Galvanic corrosion
  • • Environmental analysis

Specialized Testing

  • • Fatigue crack analysis
  • • Creep damage assessment
  • • Weld failure analysis
  • • Coating failure investigation
  • • Thermal analysis

Common Failure Modes We Investigate

Mechanical Failures

  • • Fatigue cracking
  • • Overload failures
  • • Creep rupture
  • • Brittle fracture
  • • Wear failures

Environmental Failures

  • • Corrosion failures
  • • Stress corrosion cracking
  • • Hydrogen embrittlement
  • • High temperature oxidation
  • • Thermal shock

Typical Case Studies

Pressure Vessel Failure

Investigation of a pressure vessel failure revealed stress corrosion cracking initiated from a weld defect, exacerbated by chloride contamination.

Outcome: Improved welding procedures and water treatment protocols

Aircraft Component Failure

Fatigue failure of a critical aerospace component was traced to improper heat treatment resulting in unfavorable microstructure.

Outcome: Revised heat treatment specification and inspection protocols

Pipeline Rupture

Analysis of a pipeline rupture identified hydrogen-induced cracking caused by sulfide stress corrosion in sour service conditions.

Outcome: Material upgrade to sour service resistant steel

Why Choose MSL for Failure Analysis?

  • 40+ years of experience
  • Chartered metallurgists
  • Advanced analytical equipment
  • Comprehensive reporting
  • Expert witness services
  • Confidential investigations

Investigation Timeline

Initial Assessment1-2 days
Detailed Analysis1-3 weeks
Final Report1 week

Need Failure Analysis?

Contact our experts for immediate assistance with your failure investigation.

Emergency: +44 (0)7000 000 000

Phone: +44 (0)191 487 7011

Email: [email protected]

Contact Us