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Wire Rope Failures
Metallurgical failure analysis was requested for a
failed piece of wire rope used in an oilfield
application. Macro and microscopic examination
showed a mixture of metal fatigue and overload fractures.
Evidence also existed of abrasive damage and lack of
wire rope lubrication. As a result of the
metallurgical failure
analysis, inadequate lubrication and improper usage
by the operator of the equipment were determined to
be the possible causes of the wire rope failure.
Photograph A: Overall view of splayed end of oil field wire rope
failure
Photograph B: Close-up view of failed oil field wire rope shows
extreme wear, flat fracture and stepped fracture
indicating a metal fatigue failure mechanism.
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Dr.
R. Craig Jerner, Ph.D., PE specializes in accident
investigation and metallurgical failure analysis,
with over 30 years experience as a metallurgical
consultant and accident investigator. He has
testified as a metallurgical expert in over 250
depositions and more than 70 court appearances. If you or someone you know should need the services of Dr. Jerner and J.E.I. Metallurgical, please visit our web site at the buttons below, or e-mail Dr. Jerner --- 