Failure Analysis – An Overview with Case Study

Abstract

Failure analysis is an important tool to determine the physical root causes of problems. The process is critical, based upon many different technical disciplines and uses a variety of observation, inspection, and laboratory techniques. It relies on collecting failed components for subsequent examination of the cause or causes of failure using a wide array of methods, especially microscopy and spectroscopy [1]. One of the important parameter in performing a failure analysis is properly observing each and every factor related to failed component and provide unbiased conclusion and corrective action. The objective of failure analysis is to identify whether component or product has failed in service or during manufacturing or during production processing. In any case, one must determine the cause of failure to prevent future occurrence, and/or to improve the performance of the device, component or structure.

 This paper briefly introduces the basics of failure analysis, various modes of failure and the role of failure analysis as a general engineering tool for enhancing product quality and failure prevention. In addition, this paper also covers a typical case study to explain the process methodology in detail.