In this section:

• Expert Witness Testimonies
• Chemical Analysis
• Corrosion Control
• Failure Analysis
• Fractography
• Microhardness Testing
• Microstructure Analysis & Metallography
• Pricing

Fractography

Fractography is understood to mean "the study of fracture surfaces". In failure analysis, fractography is a vital tool used to determine a failure mode. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is often the choice instrument used to examine the surface of a failed material. When materials break in a brittle manner, they usually exhibit a crystalline or brittle appearing fracture.

Likewise, when a ductile material is fractured, the fracture surface usually exhibits elongated dimples. Often, exemplar fractures surfaces are prepared for comparison with the failed material.

An elemental x-ray analyzer (Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis) is often used for elemental chemical analysis of anomalies on the fracture surface. EDXA produces a spectrum map of the elements present. This capability is a valuable tool for determining alloy segregation, elemental diffusion and dealloying of zinc in brass.