California Failure Analysis lab performed a compound bend test to determine if the failure surface can be at an angle to the surface. One curious result was a curved fracture surface. This occurs when the clamp on the topside (i.e. tensile side) was behind the support underneath. If the two clamped sides are aligned, the crack is […]
California Glass Expert Performs a Failure Analysis on a Glass Bowl
A glass failure analysis was performed on a glass mixing bowl. An overview of the failed glass bowl is shown in the upper left photograph. This bowl failed as a result of thermal stresses. The crack originated at the bottom of the bowl and spread in one direction around the entire bottom. The thermal stresses […]
Product Liability, Chair Failure Analysis
Failure analysis expert witness examined a failed hospital chair. The chair failed during a breast X-ray examination. The chair had been altered 3 years prior to the failure, and the machine shop that had made the alterations was accused of causing the fatigue failure. Examination of the chair discovered hammer marks on a critical region […]