Materials Science

Materials Science

Duffner Engineering has an extensive practice in the field of materials science, which includes failure analysis, the study of how materials fail. We have a wide range of knowledge regarding the application of materials like metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, in various industries such as consumer products, construction, electronics, automotive, aviation, medical, and recreation. This knowledge of materials and their applications is important to determining how and why components fail, and for selecting the proper tools in their analysis.

Materials science when combined with mechanical engineering forms the foundation of the practice of failure analysis. Skills and experience in both fields are usually required to reach a conclusion about the root cause of a failure. We have the background, skills, and tools to study materials closely and evaluate their specific properties for compliance with requirements and specifications and contributors to the cause or causes of failure. The precise clues to the cause of a failure are transient at best, often disappearing with exposure to the elements, handling, or even well intentioned clean-up efforts. Duffner Engineering engineers have studied and are trained in the latest documentation techniques including photo documentation, preservation of evidence, and chain of custody.