FAILURE ANALYSIS & ROOT CAUSE INVESTIGATION


Powertech Labs Materials Engineering Group offers detailed failure investigation of damaged equipment, systems and structures.  We have investigated the cause of damage and sequence of events in many cases, including arson, vandalism, sabotage, fraud and warranty claims.  With our state-of-the-art metallurgical and materials laboratory and competent technical and professional staff, we can offer a broad range of metallurgical engineering services from welding technology to corrosion engineering to fitness-for-purpose analysis. To help the failure investigation and forensic analysis, Powertech’s Materials Engineering experts carry out destructive testing of materials, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) of components, and accident simulation.  We also perform Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) and life assessments for structures, equipment and pressurized components.  Assessments are performed considering brittle fracture, overload failure, stress rupture, fatigue, corrosion-fatigue, stress-corrosion, and creep mechanisms.

The Metallurgical and Materials laboratory is fully equipped with the state-of-the-art variable pressure scanning electron microscope (Hitachi SV-1510) with an EDS micro-analyzer attachment and a powerful image analysis module.  It also houses a full complement of metallography equipment, hardness testers, impact testing machines and servo-hydraulic tensile testers.

Clients receive a fully documented report supported by photographs and photomicrography with clear, concise conclusions.  These reports can provide technical support in cases where litigation is involved and also when our professional engineers are required to give expert witness testimony.

Expert Witness

Powertech has PhDs, professional engineers and scientists, and senior technologists working in disciplines that include materials, civil, mechanical, metallurgical, electrical, chemical, and environmental engineering.  These experts maintain a high standard of technical experience and integrity through participation in accredited professional associations, committees and working groups, adjunct teaching at universities, and through publishing and presenting peer-reviewed papers at technical conferences worldwide.