Failure analysis has grown enormously in it scope and utility in recent years. Developments in materials characterization techniques have made the job of a failure analyst easier and more precise, but it still requires not only a strong background in materials science and engineering, but also practical experience--or at least a strong understanding of past failures.

Investigation of Aeronautical and Engineering Component Failures offers a systematic presentation of the principles, tools, and techniques of failure analysis and their use in identifying the root cause of failure. The first part of the book presents the technical intricacies of failure analysis, including fracture feature analysis, important aspects of component design and material selection, the origin and control of various defects in metallic materials, and the operational abuses and maintenance deficiencies that often cause premature failures. The second part presents 37 classic case studies covering all of the commonly observed failure modes and causes in metallic components. The emphasis here is on the experimental approach, the interpretation of experimental results, and the logic involved in identifying the root cause of failure.

Failure analysis can be a difficult, if not daunting, task. Author A. Venugopal Reddy's three decades of investigative experience brings not only authority to this presentation, but also a rare insight that will deepen your understanding and solidify your ability to effectively analyze real component failures.