Materials and Metallurgical Engineering
Materials Selection and Evaluation
We can expertly answer questions such as:
- With so many materials available, which is best for my application? Metallic or nonmetallic? What grade?
- What properties are important - strength, fatigue, fracture toughness, corrosion resistance?
- What form is required - casting, forging, bar material?
- Is heat treatment needed? If so, how?
- Is welding needed? If so, how?
- Are special procurement requirements necessary?
We have experience with many materials for various applications, including development of Materials Selection Requirement (MSR) matrices for critical components under the U.S. Navy Materials Selection Process (MSP), and an extensive library of materials references as well as access to online materials data. The net result is quick, accurate answers.
See Materials Selection and Evaluation Project Examples
Failure Analysis
We have analyzed numerous components including: diesel engine journal bearings, crankshafts, pistons, cylinders, connecting rods and bolts; gas turbine compressor and combustion section blades and vanes; ball bearings; and various fasteners. In addition to a quick turn-around, cost-effective analysis of the cause of failure, we also provide the information necessary to prevent future failures such as changes in materials, heat treatments, welding procedures, etc.
Because of our Mechanical Design expertise we can provide recommendations for changes in component design or operating parameters. We can also coordinate the failure analysis with Stress Analysis, Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics Analysis, and Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis to provide even more definitive results.
See Failure Analysis Project Examples
Reverse Engineering
What do you do if you have a worn-out or broken part but you can’t get a replacement? LCE’s Reverse Engineering experts can help. We will perform complete dimensional inspection of the part, identify the materials, and prepare complete CAD drawings with all required tolerances, manufacturing requirements, materials specifications, heat treatments, etc. which can then be used to procure a new part. We can also suggest design and materials changes if warranted. Ultimately, you will have a part that meets or exceeds the capabilities of the original.
