When ceramic or glass components fail in critical applications, Vitreous Forge provides forensic analysis expertise to quickly identify root causes and offer actionable solutions to prevent recurrence. Maximize component reliability with our advanced diagnostics and expert technical consulting.
Our comprehensive failure analysis and consulting services are designed to demystify component failures, providing you with the insights needed to engineer robust solutions for maximum reliability in your most demanding applications.
High-magnification imaging for microstructural characterization and elemental composition analysis of fracture surfaces.
Identifying crystalline phases, residual stress, and crystallographic texture to understand material behavior.
Evaluating properties like fracture toughness, flexural strength, and cyclic fatigue resistance of brittle materials.
Investigating phase transitions, decomposition kinetics, and thermal expansion properties at elevated temperatures.
Detecting contaminants, verifying material composition, and assessing environmental degradation mechanisms.
Beyond data, our experienced team provides expert interpretation, linking observations to actionable solutions.
Cracking or degradation due to rapid temperature changes or cyclic thermal stresses in high-temperature applications.
Fractures and catastrophic breakdowns resulting from excessive mechanical loads or sudden impacts.
Material deterioration caused by corrosive environments, chemical reactions, or long-term environmental exposure.
Failures originating from internal flaws, porosity, inclusions, or improper processing during manufacturing.
Stress concentrations or inherent design flaws in the component's geometry leading to localized failure initiation.
A ceramic turbine blade for a hypersonic engine experienced premature cracking. Our analysis pinpointed localized thermal gradients exceeding the material's critical thermal shock parameter. We recommended design modifications and a new ceramic matrix composite, extending operational life by 200%.
A zirconia dental implant fractured post-implantation. Through XRD and SEM, we identified a rare phase transformation in the zirconia due to an incorrect sintering profile. Our consulting led to a revised manufacturing protocol, eliminating future failures and improving patient safety.
Premature wear was observed in a silicon carbide furnace lining. Chemical analysis revealed unexpected alkali vapor attack, exacerbated by furnace atmosphere fluctuations. We provided recommendations for a more robust lining material and process parameter adjustments.
Specialized optical glass used in imaging systems developed a haze over time. Our surface analysis identified microscopic moisture ingress and subsequent ion exchange, compromising optical clarity. We advised on improved hermetic sealing and coating technologies.
Leverage our deep materials science expertise to select or optimize ceramic and glass materials for specific functional and environmental requirements.
Proactive review of component designs to identify potential stress concentrations and inherent weaknesses, preventing future failures.
Assistance in developing robust quality control systems and processes tailored for advanced ceramic and glass manufacturing.
Provide unbiased, scientifically rigorous expert testimony and reports for litigation involving material failures.
Tailored workshops and training for your in-house engineering and quality teams on ceramic and glass failure mechanisms and prevention.
When a critical component fails, time is of the essence. Vitreous Forge offers an accelerated response process designed to mitigate impact and restore operational integrity swiftly.
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