Failure Analysis

[reidh]

Hopefully somebody with some experience of engine failures can help me.

I am looking for a firm that specializes in failure analysis of engine components (cranks, con. rods, etc.)

Has anybody had any experience with such an outfit?

Thank you.

 

[WGJ]

Where are you?



Bill

 

[patprimmer]

If he presumes we automatically just know, he is probably an American

Regards

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Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[WGJ]

Very true.

In which case, I wonder if Southwest Research (in Texas?) would do? Although I don't think they come cheap.



Bill

 

[powerjunx]

reidh, OEM has technical support for their engines. Whenever major failure occurs, the fact engine is within the insurance coverage, the insurance firm definitely investigate the Root-cause failure. Eventually, they require the OEM to issue certification of the said catasthropy, else other than OEM requires a Cetified Service Center. Thus, insurance fee is served.
Other case like minor failures, we often refers to the manual. However, some specific OEM of bearings,rods, etc offer their technical support. Why not contact OEM?

Thanks.

 

[reidh]

Touche Pat. And with a dry wit, I would assume your British?

Southwest Research is the place that we usually use, but they have a vested interest in this particular engine. Thus we would like to use another place

We have been working with the OEM on this type failure before, but so far they have changed a few things, and the problem keeps occuring. This is why I am looking for another failure analysis lab.

Thank you for all of the replies.

 

[patprimmer]

Australian actually. Some would say that means a half wit rather than a dry wit.

Regards

eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.

 

[WGJ]

reidh, don't get sucked in by that 'half a wit' business.

Them Aussies just say that to lull you into a false sense of security.
I'll have a dry wit, without the olive in it, thanks.


Bill

 

[swall]

You could try SEAL Laboratories in El Segundo, CA. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.

 

[drwebb]

In the US, Perkin Elmer's testing lab is a direct competitor to SwRI. Also, Lubrizol offers engine testing services and might consider evaluating your parts.

 

[SMOKEY44211]

Just a thought. How does FAA conduct their engine failure forensics?-------Phil

 

[SMOKEY44211]

Just a thought. How does FAA conduct their engine failure forensics?-------Phil

 

[swall]

Just a guess, but the FAA would have acess to government labs such as those at NTSB and NIST. NTBS would be logical, as they would be involved in any engine failures leading to a crash.