The success of failure analysis depends on the use of appropriate analytical techniques in proper sequence. The approach and the methodology to be adopted for a particular failure investigation largely depend on the nature of failure. Collection of background information leading to development of a complete case history of the failure is, therefore, essential. This is followed by examination of the components, to establish the physical cause of failure, mostly through metallurgical investigation and evaluation of the material of construction. Metallurgical investigation can pinpoint the physical cause of\udfailure but often falls short of identifying the true cause of failure. It has been seen that many a time, the true cause of failure is not established due to overlooking of minor details and not because of lack of advanced knowledge. This aspect of failure analysis has been highlighted in this article through a practical example. The failure involved fatigue fracture of a high pressure compressor blade of an aeroengine. The failure occurred within 12.2 h of engine run on the test bed.
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