This book presents a broad analysis of the reasons for plastics product failure. Understanding how to use the methods of failure analysis is critical to implementing product improvement. Plastics Failure Analysis and Prevention discusses a vast array of such methods, including practical risk analysis, failure mode and effect analysis, preliminary hazard analysis, progressive failure analysis, fault tree analysis, mean time between failures, Wohler curves, finite element analysis, cohesive zone model, crack propagation kinetics, time—temperature collectives, quantitative characterization of fatigue damage, and fracture maps.

Additionally, various aspects of fractography of plastics and metals are compared and contrasted. Other analytical methods addressed include SEM, SAXS, FTIR, DSC, DMA, GC/MS, optical microscopy, multiaxial stress, residual stress analysis, creep—rupture, craze testing, fracture toughness, and more. Specific design aids and case studies ensure that the reader understands practical applications of the analysis and prevention methods presented.

From the Preface: “...Plastic product failures can be divided into three distinct arenas — improper design, improper manufacturing (including processing and assembly), and improper use of the end product. One way to reduce plastic product failures is to disseminate the knowledge, on a wide variety of topics, which has been accumulated by plastics researchers and practitioners. Such is the purpose of this book, and by sharing the work presented at a number of SPE ANTEC conferences, we hope to answer a wide range of questions that have arisen and anticipate those topics that may present themselves in the future...”

Target Audience: Design engineers, mold designers, failure analysts, and other personnel involved in plastics design, development, and manufacturing.

Table of Contents:

Failure Mechanisms

Processing and Assembly

Environmental Effects

Morphology and Fractography

Modeling of Failures and Failure Processes

Design and Life Prediction

Test Methods

Failure Prevention

Case Studies

Index