---
type: "WebPage"
title: "Rupture analysis : fractography expertise here at FILAB"
description: "Fracture analysis - a FILAB laboratory specialty L’analyse de rupture est une approche qui englobe l'étude des causes, des mécanismes et des conséquences de la rupture d'un matériau ou d'une structure. L'analyse de rupture utilise des données issues de la..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/laboratory-analysis-ruptures/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_612754a636a51", "Thomas GAUTIER"]
timestamp: "2026-06-30T11:48:30Z"
published: "2021-08-26T08:45:25Z"
language: "en"
author: "bwa"
---

# Rupture analysis : fractography expertise here at FILAB

## Fracture analysis - a FILAB laboratory specialty

L’**analyse de rupture** est une approche qui englobe l'étude des causes, des mécanismes et des conséquences de la rupture d'un matériau ou d'une structure. L'analyse de rupture utilise des données issues de la [fractographie](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing/fractographic-analysis-laboratory.md), mais elle intègre également d'autres types d'informations comme les propriétés du matériau, les conditions de service, la conception de la pièce, les contraintes appliquées, et les résultats d’[essais mécaniques](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test.md). Le but de cette analyse est de comprendre non seulement comment la rupture s'est produite, mais aussi pourquoi elle s'est produite dans le contexte spécifique de l'application du matériau ou de la pièce.

### Would you like to carry out a fracture analysis in a laboratory?

#### What is material failure?

The **failure of a material** occurs when the applied force exceeds the material’s strength. This strength can be influenced by many factors such as temperature, or the material’s chemical composition, or a [failure](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures.md).

Different types of failure can be observed depending on the nature of the material and how the force is applied. For example, some materials may undergo **ductile failure**, where they deform significantly before breaking, while others may undergo **brittle failure**, where they break without significant deformation.

## FILAB supports manufacturers with expertise and fracture analysis

### Our laboratory fracture analysis services

Material failure is a major issue for many industries, such as [aerospace](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-aeronautics-aerospace.md) and [automotive](https://filab.fr/en/sectors-of-activity/laboratory-analysis-automobile.md). To provide an accurate analysis of the causes of failure, the FILAB laboratory offers its expertise in fracture analysis, using cutting-edge techniques and a team of experts.

- [Fracture analysis on metal parts](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/expertise/labo-analyse-etude-de-defaillance/laboratoire-expertise-fractographique/)
- [Fracture analysis on polymers](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-of-polymer-rupture-cracking.md)
- [Fracture surface analysis by SEM EDX](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/fracture-facies-analysis-laboratory.md)
- Fracture analysis on composites and glass
- [Failure analysis from additive manufacturing](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/metallurgical-analysis-laboratory/metallic-powders-characterization-services-at-filab-laboratory/fracture-metal-part-produced-additive-manufacturing.md)

### Our technical resources for fracture analysis

These fracture analysis examinations are carried out using [Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with an EDX microprobe](https://filab.fr/nos-moyens-techniques/laboratoire-d-analysis-par-microscopie-electronique-a-balayage-meb-edx/), a truly cutting-edge tool that requires specific implementation expertise and, above all, interpretation by our experts. It can be supplemented by [micrographic observations](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/expertise/labo-analyse-etude-de-defaillance/laboratoire-examen-migrographique/) in optical microscopy, [hardness measurements](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/hardness-analysis-and-measurement-laboratory.md), and mechanical tests (tensile, impact resistance, etc.) in order to refine the diagnosis and increase the relevance of the conclusions regarding the failure phenomenon.

Finally, the FILAB laboratory may be required to confirm the grade of the failed metal part by [ICP-MS, ICP-MS-MS or ICP-AES](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes.md) to ensure compliance with the technical specifications required by our clients.

 ![Rupture fragile MEB](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Rupture-MEB.jpg) Brittle fracture in SEM ![rupture ductile MEB](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Rupture-ductile.jpg) Ductile fracture in SEM
### The causes of part failure

In the context of industrial production, failures of a material or manufactured part can have significant economic and human consequences. Many causes can be at the **origin of material failure**, ranging from the quality of the materials used to the production methods implemented, to the environment:

  **Excessive mechanical stresses** : overload, vibrations, impacts, thermal stresses. **Part design defects** : unsuitable shapes or material choices. **Manufacturing defects** : cracks, porosity, inclusions, or weak areas in the part material can lead to failure.   **Environmental conditions**: temperature variations can cause thermal expansion or contraction of the part, which can lead to deformation, internal stresses, and failure. Exposure to corrosive environments can weaken the part over time, which can lead to failure. **Mechanical failures **
## Research and development

 [Literature review](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/laboratory-literature-review.md) [Industrial Process Condition Assessment](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/process-audit-case-failure.md) [Audit to Understand the Failure](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/laboratory-audit/audit-understand-failure.md) [Root Cause Determination](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/finding-solutions-problems/determination-root-cause-rd.md) [Industrial Process Optimization](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/support-product-development/laboratory-audit-industrial-process.md) [learn more](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd.md)
### Our Breakage Expertise Across Different Materials

Every material has properties that influence its behavior during **failure**. The FILAB laboratory carries out fracture analysis on different materials: [metallic materials](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/analyse/laboratoire-analysis-metallurgiques/), [polymers](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory.md), [composites](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-analysis-composite-material.md), glass. More specifically: steel, iron and aluminum, plastic and rubber.

Sophisticated technical means are used to simulate **failure phenomena** and thus make it possible to design stronger and more durable parts. Indeed, composite parts, made up of several layers of materials, can fail in a complex and progressive way, with crack propagation. Plastic parts, on the other hand, are more likely to deform before failing. Finally, [metal parts](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/expertise/labo-analyse-etude-de-defaillance/laboratoire-expertise-fractographique/) tend to undergo plastic deformation before fracturing suddenly.

## Breakage Analysis for Metal Parts

Among the failures studied daily by our experts, [**breakage analysis of metal parts**](https://filab.fr/paroles-d-expert/metallurgie-fonderie-automobile/filab-etudie-les-mecanismes-de-rupture-des-pieces.md) is an investigation context our clients regularly face. It requires the implementation of a **methodical process** in order to reach an effective diagnosis.

### Step 1: collection of preliminary data

While gathering available information on the breakage is useful (nature, material certificate, assembly information, etc.), knowing the **conditions under which it occurred** is strategic. Isolated phenomenon or not, occurrence during the production process or once the product has been launched on the market… The more precise this data is, the more effective the interpretation of the analysis results and the more relevant the conclusions regarding the origin of the breakage.

### Step 2: understanding the origin of the phenomenon

Characterization and breakage analysis generally begin with a **visual examination.**This examination makes it possible to assess the part’s overall geometry as well as [the morphology](https://filab.fr/en/laboratory-analysis-powder-morphology.md) of the breakage area (shape, relief, symmetry or lack thereof in the damage, etc.).

These initial analysis are supplemented by a specific and in-depth observation of the [fracture surface](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/fracture-facies-analysis-laboratory.md), which is a true open book on the stresses experienced by the part that caused the mechanical failure by breakage.

This [fractographic expertise](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/laboratory-material-testing/fractographic-analysis-laboratory.md) makes it possible in particular to locate the origin of the failure and identify the failure mode (ductile or brittle, respectively in the presence or absence of deformation, static or dynamic in [fatigue](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/analyse/laboratoire-caracterisation-des-materiaux/filab-etudie-l-endurance-des-materiaux/), etc.). It also makes it possible to highlight any possible material defects or external stresses that may have caused the failure.

## A Few Examples of Applications Carried Out by the FILAB Laboratory in Breakage Analysis

Breakage expertise on high-voltage electrical cables

Study of breaks in metal washers

Breakage expertise on mechanical tensile test specimens

Fractography of a broken mechanical shaft

### Our Mechanical Analysis Services

The FILAB Laboratory offers its services for other types of [mechanical analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test.md) :

[Tensile test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/tensile-test-materials-laboratory.md)

[Polymer elasticity measurement](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/plastics-processing-polymers/laboratory-measurement-of-elasticity-on-polymers.md)

[Fatigue and endurance test](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/analyse/laboratoire-caracterisation-des-materiaux/filab-etudie-l-endurance-des-materiaux/)

[Compression test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/compression-and-mechanical-laboratory-tests.md)

[Thermomechanical test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/polymer-materials-analysis-laboratory/thermomechanical-tests-on-polymers-in-the-laboratory.md)

[Young's modulus measurement](https://filab.fr/nos-prestations/analyse/laboratoire-caracterisation-des-materiaux/mesure-module-d-young/)

[Torsion test](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/bend-testing.md)

[Bending tests](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/mechanical-laboratory-test/laboratory-bending-tests.md)

## Our FAQ

 Which materials are affected by breakage risks?
It is important to take potential fracture risks into account when selecting and using different materials to ensure the safety and efficiency of structures and products.

Materials that may present fracture risks include:

Metals and Alloys: Steel, aluminum, titanium, often used in construction, the aerospace industry, and automotive applications. They can fail due to fatigue, corrosion, or manufacturing defects.

Ceramics and glass: Used in industrial and household applications. These materials are brittle and can break under mechanical stress or thermal variations.

Plastics and polymers: Used in a wide range of applications, from packaging to aerospace components. They can degrade under the effects of UV, heat, or chemical reactions, leading to a loss of strength.

Composites: Composite materials used, for example, in the automotive or aerospace industries can be prone to failure under excessive loads or impact.

It is important to note that the likelihood and nature of failure depend not only on the type of material, but also on its use, environment, and maintenance.

 How can material failure be prevented?
To prevent **material fracture**, it is essential to adopt appropriate prevention and maintenance measures. Here are some actions to put in place:

1. [Material selection](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/support-product-development/laboratory-support-in-the-choice-of-materials-and-raw-materials.md) : Select the most suitable material based on the application, environment, and the stresses it will be subjected to. This involves taking into account properties such as strength, ductility, toughness, corrosion resistance, and resistance to extreme temperatures.

1. Precise design and engineering: Ensure that the design of parts and structures is optimized to distribute loads evenly and minimize areas of concentrated stress.

1. Quality control and regular testing: Carry out rigorous quality checks during manufacturing and regular testing. This may include fatigue tests and visual inspections.

1. Protection against harsh environments: Apply coatings, paints, or other forms of protection to reduce the impact of exposure to [corrosion](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-deposit-contamination/laboratory-expertise-and-analysis-of-corrosion.md), moisture, chemicals, or UV radiation.

1. Compliance with standards and regulations: Adhere to industry standards and current regulations, which are often based on extensive research and feedback to ensure the safety and reliability of materials.

By following these practices, it is possible to significantly minimize the **risk of material fracture.**

 What methods are used for failure analysis?
**Fracture analysis and fractography** make it possible to understand the causes of a material failure. The first analysis consists of examining the surfaces of a part to determine the characteristics of the fracture and identify potential material defects. As for fractography, it makes it possible to examine the crystalline structure of the broken part in greater detail. Various technical methods are available for analyzing material fracture.

- **Microscopy**makes it possible to observe flaws at the microscopic scale, providing clues about the nature of the fracture.
- **Tensile tests**, which consist of subjecting the material to a tensile force until it breaks, are also very common.
- The **bending tests** make it possible to measure a material's resistance to bending.
- **3D tomography** is useful for analyzing internal deformations in the material before and after fracture.
- **Numerical simulations** are used to help understand fracture at the macroscopic level.

All these techniques, used together, provide a comprehensive and accurate view of the material fracture process, making it possible to measure a material's strength limits and prevent potential failures.

 What is fractography?
La **fractographie**est l'étude des surfaces de rupture des matériaux, qui se concentre sur l'examen de la topographie de la surface de rupture pour déterminer l**a cause et le mode de la rupture**. Cela se fait généralement à l'aide de microscope électronique à balayage (MEB), pour observer les caractéristiques microscopiques de la surface de rupture. Elle permet d'identifier des phénomènes tels que la fatigue, la fragilité, la ductilité, les inclusions, et d'autres défauts de matériaux, en fonction du [faciès de rupture](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures/fracture-facies-analysis-laboratory.md) observé. En résumé, la fractographie est une spécificité de l'analyse de rupture, se concentrant spécifiquement sur l'examen détaillé des surfaces de rupture, tandis que l'analyse de rupture est une étude plus globale des causes et des circonstances entourant la rupture d'un matériau ou d'une structure.