Component Failure Forensics
Ricardo engineers have decades of experience in detecting and evaluating the causes of engine and transmission failure using a wide range of analytical and computational techniques. Our experts support customers in failure investigations for a wide range of sizes and applications and frequently the Ricardo engineers will travel to the location of the failed components.
Ricardo’s failure investigation service focuses on solving specific issues using its Failure Root Cause Analysis process. Our objective is to identify the source of failure quickly and to provide design solutions to resolve the problem and prevent similar failures from occurring in the future. Short term corrective actions can also be implemented as a temporary quick fix.
Ricardo’s technical expertise has also been used to support with legal disputes relating to mechanical failure. By analysing failed systems or components, we can offer an expert opinion on the causes of failure and necessary corrective action.
Failure investigation reports can include:
- Engine strip and damage inspection
- Transmission strip and damage inspection
- Analysis of components
- Comparison with Ricardo design guidelines
- Thermo-structural finite element analysis
- Coolant flow CFD analysis
- Material testing
- Root cause analysis
- Design reviews and comparison of key features with competition engines
- Discussion of failure, conclusions and recommendations
The engine failure analysis process is frequently extended to tackle specific warranty concerns. Ricardo’s Warranty Management service implements the structures, tools and processes to ensure a sustainable improvement in warranty performance through short-term containment as well as long-term solutions.