Investigation of Aeronautical and Engineering Component Failures

Citation

Aligizaki, K.K. (2005), "Investigation of Aeronautical and Engineering Component Failures", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 52 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2005.12852dae.001

Investigation of Aeronautical and Engineering Component Failures

Investigation of Aeronautical and Engineering Component Failures

A. Venugopal ReddyCRC Press2004Hardcover, 368 pp.ISBN 0849323142$129.95

Keywords: Aerospace engineering, Aircraft components

Failure analysis has grown enormously in recent years and the job of the failure analyst requires a strong background in materials science and engineering, but also a strong understanding of past failures. This book provides a methodology guide for the new failure analyst on metallic aeronautical components. The author pays special attention to the various tools and techniques employed for identifying the cause of failure, as well as the presentation of real-life case studies.

The book is divided into two major parts. The first part consists of six chapters and deals with the various aspects of failure analysis. After the first introductory chapter on the importance and the objectives of failure analysis, chapter 2 discusses the various critical steps involved in failure analysis and the experimental techniques available to the failure analyst. Chapter 3 presents information on examination and interpretation of fracture surfaces for different types of failure. Chapters 4-6 discuss the effect of deficiencies in design and material selection, as well as operational and maintenance deficiencies in causing service failures. The second part of the book presents a number of case studies covering the most frequently encountered failures in the aeronautical industry. The case studies presented are categorized based on the principal cause of failure, and are grouped in failures due to material properties, stress, and environmental conditions.

The book presents the material treated in a clear and systematic matter. It includes a plethora of micrographs and pictures of components in order to present the material described, and help readers acquire a better grasp of microstructural anomalies and fracture features. In the case studies, emphasis is placed on the methodology, and the logic in identifying the root cause of failure. The case studies include introduction to the problem, experimental results, discussion, and conclusions, while remedial measures are intentionally left out. A collection of data in aeronautical failure analysis has been scarce in the technical literature, and in this regard the book provides a unique tool.

The goal of the author is to provide a guide rather than a comprehensive reference text. For example, the nondestructive techniques that are used for failure analysis are only briefly described, and not explained in detail. The book assumes a certain level of prior knowledge in metallurgy and materials science for the reader. Additional references are provided in the areas of corrosion, creep and fatigue, failure analysis, stress, and wear.

The book is intended for the young failure analyst and the author has focused on the methodology followed rather than going into detail of the various topics treated. In that aspect the author has succeeded greatly in helping us improve our ability to analyze component failures. The book can also serve as a reference text and a source of examples for undergraduate and graduate students.

Kalliopi K. AligizakiAedificat Institute Freiburg