Failure Investigations and Analyses
Investigations and Analyses of Failing Assets and Materials
Assets and materials can experience unexpected failures that cost businesses due to repair, replacement or the unplanned downtime of installing new components. Nearly a third (30%) of component failures have a repetitive character and can lead to unsafe situations for industrial environment and people. In situations where the cause of failure is unclear a root cause assessment is required to understand the unexpected problem and prevent reoccurrence.
DEKRA’s experts have various tools and processes to understand and investigate failures. We can verify the observations in our in-house laboratories which offer optical and electron microscopy, mechanical testing and chemical analysis. Investigations can be complemented with non-destructive testing together with simulating and modelling the actual event.
The benefits you get from Failure Investigations and Analyses
Failure and root cause analysis helps to prevent recurrent failures and maintain asset integrity
Increases the reliability and safety of plants and products
Independent analysis provides clarity in liability issues
Gain fast, reliable results via accurate, state-of-the-art testing technologies
About Failure Investigations and Analyses
In the event of damage to vehicle components, components, machines or structures, we conduct Failure Investigations using comprehensive material analyzes. In this way, we help to reliably identify the causes of damage, prevent future production downtimes through damage prevention and increase user safety. In DEKRA, we use a full range of accredited testing services and expertise to determine the extent and cause of the damage.
If necessary, our experts will be happy assist you on site to enable safe cutting and transport of evidence for laboratory studies. Use our many years of experience and our extensive expertise in material science issues in:
- Component and material damage to machines and systems
- Building damage and fire damage
- Registration of the damage situation on site
- Ensuring the damaged parts and professional sampling
- Laboratory examination of the damaged parts
- Photo documentation, macroscopic and microscopic examinations as well as high-resolution images with SEM and microanalysis with EDS
- Evidence report
Services for failure investigations and analyses
Metallurgical services
We investigate the fracture mechanism, fracture mode and identify the site of origin of the damage using light and electron microscopy (SEM). We also examine the material for phase, grain structure and size.
Analysis services
We analyse the composition of the base material, various corrosion products, particles and deposits on elemental analysers (SEM/EDS, OES and XRF) and assess the suitability of the material for the operating conditions.
Destructive testing services
We verify the mechanical properties of materials using state-of-the-art testing equipment and assess the influence of material properties on the initiation and extent of damage.
Design and reporting
We draw up an investigation plan and cost estimate on a case-by-case basis and assist with sampling if required. A clear and coherent written report of the damage analysis and material investigations is prepared, including findings and conclusions.