It is cost effective to determine how and why a failure has occurred in order to get to the root of the matter and avoid similar cases later on.

Organizing a failure investigation

Failure and damage are normally caused by one or more of the three reasons below:

  • Failure in design
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Overload with respect to design, i.e. operating defects.

The above applies whether the damage is caused by fracture, corrosion, wear or other mechanism.

When failure or damage occurs, you need to gather all the background knowledge and documentation that you can. Visible damage often covers up the actual reason and it is the latter you wish to identify quickly. For example, if a fracture turns out to be the starting point of the actual failure, it should be closely investigated.

We can perform metallurgical examinations of the fracture and fracture surface and together with the historical data, the operating conditions and application we will determine the root causes for the failure.

We provide many kinds of non-destructive testing (NDT), destructive testing (DT), metallurgical examinations and calculations of strength to determine how the failure or damage occurred. Our specialists include experts at strength calculations, fracture mechanics, metallurgists, concrete and polymer specialists who are involved from case to case to solve your specific problem.

As regards metallurgy, we may assist you on selection of materials taking into consideration corrosion and various kinds of tribology.

We can define the problem and then assist you to protect yourself against the same damage in future by modifying materials or procedures as appropriate.

Examination of damage or failure can be used to define the cause of accidents or for product enhancement. One use of our reporting is for legal cases as ordered by a court and the other is for claiming insurance wherever applicable.

In all instances, we are an impartial party focusing on the professional issues for you. The sooner we get involved, the faster the problem will be resolved.