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Failure Analysis Forensic Engineering

Machines and mechanical systems have become increasingly intertwined in our everyday work and personal lives; humans are constantly interacting with and depending upon machines. When a mechanical component or system malfunctions, it can often result in severe injury or death. Analysis of failures involving individual components or complete system failures requires a high level of engineering knowledge and experience, combined with keen investigative and analysis skills, to fully understand the failure mode and to pinpoint the origin of the failure. Veritech’s forensic engineers have found that mechanical failures can often be attributed to design defects, manufacturing defects, operator misuse, improper maintenance or a combination of these factors. In addition to having a thorough understanding of design and manufacturing processes, Veritech’s engineers also understand the tools available to reduce or eliminate the consequences of a foreseeable failure; such tools include “Failure Modes and Effects Analysis” (FMEA), the “design hierarchy”, and “life cycle analysis” among others.  Veritech's highly qualified forensic engineers have the advantage of using a team approach on larger, more complicated projects which enables us to draw on various engineering experiences to ensure that our comprehensive failure analysis incorporates multiple viewpoints so that no detail is overlooked.​

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Engineering Product Liability and Failure Analysis

by Board-Certified Forensic Engineers

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At Veritech Consulting Engineering, our board-certified forensic engineers provide expert product liability analysis and failure investigations across a wide range of industries. Our team combines advanced engineering knowledge, forensic expertise, and practical experience to identify the root causes of failures for liability assessments.

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Products and Components Analyzed by Veritech Engineers

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Veritech engineers have extensive experience evaluating failed products and components across multiple sectors, including:

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Vehicle Components:

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  • Wheels and Tires

  • Brake Systems

  • Brake Rotors and Drums

  • Steering Systems (racks, linkages, pumps)

  • Drivetrain Components (axles, differentials, transmissions)

  • Suspension Systems (control arms, struts, shocks, bushings)

  • Fuel Systems (tanks, pumps, injectors)

  • Exhaust Systems and Catalytic Converters

  • Cooling Systems (radiators, hoses, water pumps)

  • Seat Belt Systems and Restraints

  • Airbags and Crash Sensors

  • Vehicle Electronics and Control Modules

  • Engine Components (valves, pistons, gaskets)

  • Lighting Systems (headlamps, wiring, harnesses)

 

Consumer Products:

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  • Trailers and Recreational Vehicles

  • Office Equipment (chairs, desks, filing systems)

  • Household Appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators)

  • Furniture (beds, sofas, recliners)

  • Power Tools (saws, drills, grinders)

  • Hand Tools (wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers)

  • Bicycle Tires and Wheels

  • Scooters and Skateboards

  • Window Coverings (blinds, cords, shades)

  • Children’s Toys and Playground Equipment

  • Lawn and Garden Equipment (lawnmowers, trimmers, blowers)

  • Sporting Goods (helmets, bats, exercise equipment)

  • Kitchen Products (cookware, blenders, pressure cookers)

  • Electronics and Battery-Powered Devices (phones, laptops, chargers)

 

Industrial and Heavy Equipment:

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  • Industrial Machinery (presses, conveyors, pumps)

  • Airline Equipment and Airport Machinery (baggage handling, jet bridges)

  • Construction Equipment (cranes, loaders, bulldozers, lifts)

  • Agricultural Equipment (tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems)

  • Mining Equipment (drills, haul trucks, rock crushers)

  • Oil and Gas Industry Equipment (drill bits, valves, pressure vessels)

  • Railroad Components (couplers, axles, brakes, track systems)

  • Marine Equipment (propellers, hull components, winches)

  • Electrical and Power Distribution Equipment (transformers, breakers, insulators)

 

Medical and Safety Devices:

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  • Personal Protective Equipment (helmets, safety harnesses, respirators)

  • Medical Devices (syringe pumps, surgical instruments)

  • Hospital Equipment (beds, lifts, wheelchairs)

  • Fire Safety Equipment (smoke detectors, extinguishers, sprinklers)

 

Materials and Structural Components:

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  • Fasteners (bolts, screws, rivets, welds)

  • Polymers and Plastics (casings, enclosures, molded parts)

  • Glass and Ceramics (windows, bottles, cookware)

  • Composites (carbon fiber, fiberglass structures)

  • Structural Steel and Aluminum Alloys

  • Concrete and Building Materials

 

Electrical and Electronic Systems:

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  • Wiring Harnesses and Connectors

  • Switches, Relays, and Contactors

  • Sensors and Actuators

  • Electric Motors and Generators

  • Electro-Mechanical Systems

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Our experience spans mechanical systems, consumer products, transportation components, medical devices, robotics, and industrial machinery, making us a trusted partner for product liability cases, recalls, and forensic investigations.

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Mechanical Engineering Failure Analysis

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While structural failures such as buildings, bridges, and civil infrastructure typically fall under civil or structural engineering, mechanical failures require specialized analysis from the mechanical engineering perspective. Mechanical systems often involve moving or rotating parts, which are subject to a variety of stresses, forces, and cyclical loads. Over time, these forces can lead to failures if the design or material selection is insufficient to handle operational demands. Common signs of mechanical failure include:

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  • Overloading Failures: When a component experiences forces beyond its design limits, resulting in excessive deflection, buckling, or fracture.

  • Cyclical Fatigue: Repetitive loading over many cycles can initiate micro-cracks, particularly in metallic components. After sufficient cycles, these cracks can grow, ultimately causing sudden and catastrophic failure.

  • Thermal Failures: Repeated heating and cooling cycles can induce stress and material fatigue, weakening components over time.

  • Environmental Degradation: Factors such as corrosion, moisture, and chemical exposure can accelerate material breakdown and compromise mechanical integrity.

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Material properties and component design are crucial in failure analysis. The choice of metal, composite, or polymer affects how many stress cycles a part can endure before failing. Forensic engineers at Veritech evaluate material composition, load conditions, and design criteria to determine the root cause of mechanical failures and recommend solutions to prevent recurrence.

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Why Choose Veritech for Failure Analysis and Product Liability

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Veritech’s licensed Professional Engineers bring extensive expertise in mechanical engineering, product development, manufacturing, and forensic investigation. Our engineers provide:

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  • Comprehensive failure analysis reports for litigation or regulatory purposes

  • Identification of design, manufacturing, and material defects

  • Expert testimony for product liability cases

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By combining technical proficiency, investigative rigor, and real-world industry experience, Veritech helps companies, attorneys, and insurers understand the root causes of failures.

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