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Interpretation of Materials Analysis Data
The interpretation of materials analysis data should be done by a materials science or metallurgy specialist, for the detail and complexity of the information can reveal the root cause determination for the failure of a system. There are many situations in which materials analysis data could be collected for understanding an incident or for predicting future incidents. Concepts for a new design or mature designs which have experienced a failure of some sort could benefit from materials tests. The data can come from many different tests, either with hands on stress tests or using computer models and finite element analysis.
Materials of interest can be metals, polymers, composites or alloys. Each of these types of materials behaves differently in varying environments subjected to loads. The materials analysis is done to improve upon a particular design to increase the performance and ensure a longer life of the part or system.
Some of the tests that can be done in a materials analysis laboratory are stress tests, hardness tests, fracture toughness tests, fatigue crack growth tests, etc. The results of these tests are documented with great detail and often are accompanied by high resolution photographs. The important part of materials analysis is the interpretation. Data is collected and presented as numbers or pictures, but the interpretation makes the difference. The interpretation of the materials analysis data can reveal what type of environment the materials can withstand and what coatings perhaps would improve the system's performance.
Materials analysis data can put the pieces of a puzzle together in an incident with an unknown cause. If a failure occurs and the root cause is indeterminate, in depth analysis of the fracture or origin of the failure can tell the story or trail of events.
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