Introduction to Metallurgical Failure Analysis

Semih Genculu, P.E.

Course Outline

This three hour online course discusses the various types of failure mechanisms and the process of conducting a metallurgical failure analysis. Failure Analysis is one of the most useful techniques for ensuring the safety and reliability of products and plant facilities/components. The main benefits are the prevention of failure in a similar equipment, and improvement in useful service life through design or material modifications.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this course, the student will:

• Have information about the various factors that needs to be considered in material selection, design and the service environment.
• Be able to recognize some of the basic features and characteristics of different failure mechanisms.
• Be knowledgeable in the laboratory testing methods and procedures that can help determine the cause of the failures.
  

Course Introduction

Some of the most typical causes of failures shall be discussed along with the general tools and techniques of failure analysis. Any one or a combination of these factors can contribute to the failure of a part.

Design deficiencies
Improper material selection
Inadequate or incorrect process specifications
Defective material
Defective manufacturing
Improper or insufficient quality control inspection
Service conditions that exceed design limitations

Course Content

The course content is in a PDF file (11120 KB) Metallurgical Failure Analysis. You need to open or download this document to study this course.

Course Summary

This course contains a general outline of the various mechanisms that are responsible for failures, and describes the procedures and laboratory techniques used in metallurgical failure analysis. Finding the root cause of failures through such investigations can provide valuable feedback to the design and manufacturing groups. In addition to the material properties, component failures are very much affected by the service environment. Engineers should be aware of the potential failure mechanisms so that proper precautions can be taken during the design stage of a system.

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.com or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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