What needs to be clarified
Examine gradual-crack and final-fracture features against geometry and surface condition, without assigning a responsible cause.
Materials to prepare
- Both halves with protected fracture faces
- Predismantling photographs and loading diagram
- Material, service and cleaning information
What to compare
Map regions with overview images, then use optical and electron microscopy. Seek possible origins, propagation directions, striations and dimples, comparing several features. Record rubbing, corrosion and cleaning separately and assess lost observations.
Possible outcome of the analysis
An illustrated mechanism analysis may distinguish supported and unresolved alternatives and identify further loading information needed.
Limits of the conclusions
Morphology alone determines neither service cycles, crack timing nor responsibility. Damaged surfaces may have lost the original initiation site.