What is failure analysis?

Failure analysis is the process of investigating why a component, system, or material has failed in service or during testing. The goal is to determine the root cause of the failure, which can involve examining physical evidence, collecting data, and performing laboratory tests such as microscopy or chemical analysis. This information helps organizations prevent future failures, improve product design, and ensure safety and reliability. Failure analysis is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, and manufacturing.