Failure and Defect Analysis

Metallurgical Failure Analysis

Metallurgical failure analysis is the determination of the cause and nature of the failure of metallic parts. A failure is defined as any situation where a part fails to function as intended by its design, fabrication and application. Metallurgical failure includes occurrences that vary from the catastrophic breaking of an integral component such as a construction beam in a bridge to the premature corrosion of a contact in an integrated circuit. The goal of a complete failure analysis is to establish the cause and mechanism of the failure and recommend corrective action to prevent recurrence of the problem.