ABSTRACT

As shown in Figure 2.1, there are only four general categories of failure mechanisms — overload, fatigue, wear, and corrosion. All mechanical equipment failures fall into these categories. Though occasionally there may be doubt as to which category a specific mechanism should be ascribed, and sometimes more than one mechanism is involved, all failures can generally be put in the preceding four categories. The following pages will try to take a practical approach and explain the basics of how these mechanisms function and how they can be recognized.