Failure Analysis of Engineering Structures

Abstract

Failure Analysis of Engineering Structures: Methodology and Case Histories is a collection of failure analysis reports, familiarizing readers with the practices, tools, and logic employed by experienced investigators in their search for causes and cures in the wake of serious failures. The collection consists of more than 50 reports, the majority of which document the service failure of an aircraft component or system. The reports follow a consistent format that includes a concise summary of the failure, background information, pertinent specifications, and an initial assessment based on visual examination. They also include a list of the testing procedures used, a discussion of the results, a conclusion, and recommendations. In addition to recording the lessons of history, the book provides an introduction to the methodology of failure analysis, describing common causes of failure, site access challenges, specimen collection, examination procedures, and advanced analytical techniques. It presents examples of failures due to design deficiencies, manufacturing defects, maintenance errors, and service abnormalities. It also addresses the issue of sabotage and various aspects of forensic analysis. For information on the print version, ISBN 978-0-87170-820-5, follow this link.