Design and Innovation

A series exploring chemical fingerprinting techniques in failure analysis, from atomic emission spectroscopy to surface-sensitive probes.

An aluminum housing arrives at the laboratory exhibiting a complete structural fracture. Initial visual inspection reveals a clean break, but the specified alloy must meet the rigid AMS4218 requirements of 7.0% silicon and 0.35% magnesium.

Probabilistic assessment of fatigue durability in steel railway couplings under variable service conditions.

Analysis of torsional failures in heavy truck axles due to manufacturing defects and handling issues.

An examination of structural failures in heavy transport systems, from automotive chassis to railway couplings.

How manufacturing processes affect the fatigue life of high-strength steel chassis components.

Examination of propeller blade failures in aircraft and the forensic techniques used to analyze them.

Analysis of electrical failures in the Space Shuttle fleet and the systemic issues with wiring insulation.

A forensic examination of engineering failures in aerospace systems, from orbital joints to propeller blades.

Forensic analysis of the ISS Solar Alpha Rotary Joint failure and its resolution through lubrication changes.