Metallurgical Services

Niebuhr Metallurgical provides a wide range of consulting services including but not limited to:

Failure Analysis:

Metal fracture analysis
Fractography
Root cause determination for system
Interpretation of materials data / evidence

Aviation Failure:

Landing gear components
Wing struts
Structural fatigue & corrosion
Hard landing damage

Corrosion & Wear (Tribology):

Identification of corrosion mode & cause
Materials selection for corrosion prevention
Stress-Corrosion Cracking
Wear mode identification
Lubrication starvation failure
Materials selection for specific wear environment
Corrosion / Oxidative Wear
Adhesive / Abrasive Wear
Cavitation / Erosion Damage

Interpretation of Materials Analysis Data:

What does all this data mean (Hardness, trace elements, tensile strength) and how can it be used to solve your challenges?
Examples of what you may ask...
How did the maintenance of the ATV handlebars attribute to their failure?
How does the heat treating of aluminum control crack propagation and failure
How does environment (pH, Cl-, temperature) control corrosion rate of a pipe, tank, bicycle frame, how can it be modified economically?
What do the intermetallic particles present in SEM images say about solder joint strength?
How does coating depth and interface roughness determine wear rate and life expectancy?
Why does the presence of cadium on steel suggest liquid metal embrittlement?
Was the hinge on the trailer fractured before or after the collision?
What does the fracture surface morphology say about why the material failed?

These categories are not exhaustive and many aspects of metallurgy are interdependent. NMC can tailor a solution to meet your time and budget constraints. NMC also takes the burden off of valuable internal resources by providing you with timely, accurate assessment & recommendations.

NMC provides:

On-site or remote consultation
Detailed written reports if desired
Representation in legal proceedings
Confidentiality of all work to protect your privacy