Structural Failure
Definition
Structural Failure
Structural failure occurs when a product or structure can no longer carry the load it was designed for, often leading to deformation or breakage.
Causes of Structural Failure
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Overloading | Exceeding the maximum load capacity leads to permanent deformation or collapse. |
| Material Choice | Using materials that are too brittle, too soft, or prone to corrosion can reduce durability. |
| Inadequate Size | Thin or under-dimensioned parts may buckle or snap under stress. |
| Poor Shape/Design | Sharp corners, stress concentrations, or uneven load distribution can weaken a structure. |
Note
- Structural failure is not always catastrophic.
- It can also manifest as cracks, deformations, or other signs of distress that compromise the structure's integrity over time.
Analysing Structural Failure
Definition
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
A computerised simulation method that breaks down a model into small elements to analyse how it responds to physical forces.
What FEA Shows
- Stress concentration areas (often visualised with colour maps)
- Points of failure under load
- Deformation behaviour over time
Interpreting FEA Data
- Identify areas of high stress or deformation.
- Compare the results to the material's limits to predict failure points.
Tip
- When analyzing FEA data, focus on areas with stress concentrations or unexpected deformations.
- These are often the first indicators of potential failure.
Real-World Examples of Structural Failure
Tacoma Narrows Bridge (1940)
- Cause: Aerodynamic instability due to poor design.
- Lesson: The importance of considering dynamic forces like wind. The bridge's oscillations in the wind were not anticipated, leading to its dramatic collapse.
Hyatt Regency Walkway (1981)
- Cause: Design change that doubled the load on support rods.
- Lesson: The critical role of thorough design review and testing.
