About the Book:

Metallurgical Failure Analysis-Techniques and Case Studies explores how components fail and what measures should be taken to avoid future failures. The book introduces the subject of failure analysis; covers the fundamentals and methodology of failure analysis, including fracture and fractography of metals and alloys and the tools and techniques used in a failure investigation; examines 41 case studies on high performance engineering components; features experimental results comprised of visual-, fractographic-, and metallographic- examination, hardness measurements and chemical analysis; includes illustrations and evidence obtained through test results to enhance understanding; and suggests suitable remedial measures when possible.

            The various case studies are classified according to the major causes of failures. The case studies pertain to: Improper Material Selection, Manufacturing Defects, Casting Defects, Overload, Fatigue, Corrosion Induced Failures, Hydrogen Embrittlement and Stress Corrosion Cracking, Wear and Elevated Temperature Failures. The book contains information gathered over three decades of the author’s experience handling a variety of failure cases and will go a long way toward inspiring practicing failure analysts. The book is designed for scientists, metallurgists, engineers, quality control inspectors, professors and students alike.

 Key Features

       ·    Explores the fundamentals and methodology of failure analysis

       ·    Examines the major causes of component failures

       ·    Teaches a systematic approach to investigation to determine the cause of a failure

       ·    Features 41 case studies on high performance engineering components

Contents:

Part One: Fundamentals and Methodology

1. Introduction

2. Fracture

3. Tools and Techniques

Part Two: Case Studies

4. Material Selections

5. Manufacturing

6. Casting Defects in Iron and Steel

7. Overload

8. Fatigue

9. Corrosion

10. Hydrogen Embrittlement and Stress Corrosion Cracking

11. Wear

About the Author:

K. P. Balan obtained his M.Tech., from IIT, Kharagpur and Ph.D from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi in Metallurgical Engineering. He has joined Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad, India, an establishment under Defence Research and Development Organisation, in the year 1982 and since then has been working in the area of Failure Analysis. He has held the post of Scientist ‘G’ and head of ‘Structure and Failure Analysis Group’ in DMRL, Hyderabad. He has handled over 500 failure case studies pertaining to defence hardware, railways, thermal power stations, mines etc. Besides failure analysis he has carried out Research and Development projects on enhancement of life of small arms barrels and on bearing steels for aerospace applications. He has also carried out metallurgical investigations of over 2000 metallic components of weapons and weapon systems for their indigenization. The recommendations given through his failure analysis have helped in imparting new lease of life to a number of components and systems at various stages of manufacture and operation, thus saving large amount of revenue for the country. Suggestions made through his failure analysis have helped in avoiding future recurrence of similar failures. The technology documents provided by him for indigenization programmes have helped in self-reliance of the country in the store of spares and accessories of expensive aircrafts and weapon systems.