Learning the proper steps for organizing a failure investigation ensures success. Failure investigations cross company functional boundaries and are an integral component of any design or manufacturing business operation. Well-organized and professionally conducted investigations are essential for solving manufacturing problems and assisting in redesigns. This book outlines a proven systematic approach to failure investigation. It explains the relationship between various failure sources (corrosion, for example) and the organization and conduct of the investigation. It provides a learning platform for engineers from all disciplines: materials, design, manufacturing, quality, and management. The examples in this book focus on the definition of and requirements for a professionally performed failure analysis of a physical object or structure. However, many of the concepts have much greater utility than for investigating the failure of physical objects. For example, the book provides guidance in areas such as learning how to define objectives, negotiating the scope of investigation, examining the physical evidence, and applying general problem-solving techniques.
About the Author: Dr. Daniel P. Dennies, FASM, has more than 25 years of experience as a metallurgist. The majority of his career has been in the U.S. space and aerospace industries working on projects such as the Space Shuttle Main Engine, the National Launch System, the National Aerospace Plane, expendable launch systems like Delta and Titan, and the International Space Station and Space Shuttle programs. He is an expert in failure analysis and also works as an expert witness. Dr. Dennies is a recipient of the coveted NASA Silver Snoopy Award. A member of ASM for more than 25 years, Dr. Dennies was named a Fellow of ASM in 2002. He has held positions on local as well as national committees. He has served as chair of the ASM Chapter Council and has participated as a “Materials Mentor” at Materials CampsSM sponsored by the ASM Materials Education Foundation since the program began in 2000. He is also a contributing editor to ASM’s Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention and teaches the ASM course, “How to Organize and Run a Failure Investigation.” Dr. Dennies received the 2002 ASM Materials Engineering Institute Instructor of Merit Award and the 2004 ASM International Allan Ray Putnam Service Award. Dr. Dennies has a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from California Polytechnic Institute, San Luis Obispo, a master’s degree in materials engineering from the University of Southern California, an MBA from Pepperdine University, and a Ph.D. in material science and engineering from University of California, Davis.