Rubber Failure Analysis Demonstrates Rubber Fatigue

California rubber failure analysis expert performs a failure analysis on a rubber paddle. This piece failed as a result of fatigue. The fatigue failure initiated on the outer surface at a stress riser and progressed inwards. This is damonstrated by the photomicrographs above. Upper left is taken at 10X. Upper right is taken at 40X. The fracture surface has all the aspects of a classic fatigue failure.

Medical Device Failure Analysis of a Catheter

California failure analysis expert witness performed a failure analysis on a piece of rubber that had been removed from a patient's bladder. The piece was compared with the tip of a new exemplar catheter. Although the piece that was removed surgically was encrusted with salts, it was shown to be part of a catheter.

Swing Set Failure Analysis

California failure analysis expert analyzes forces necessary to cause a swing set to fail. There are times that it is claimed that a swing set failed under "normal use" conditions. Tests were performed to determine what minimum forces are necessary to cause the chain to be pulled from the 'S' hook that holds it to the top of the swing set. Exemplar assemblies were put together and tested. The photographs above show the testing of an assembly. These tests showed that at least 400 pounds minimum is needed to pull the chain out. The above chain/'S' hook orientation required the minimum force. Other orientations required higher forces. This indicates that a child swinging on the saet could not generate the necessary forces to cause the chain to pull out of the 'S' hook.