Hull & Machinery: Mechanical Failure Investigation

In this webinar, Forensic Metallurgist Dr Philippa Moore explores the critical components of ships and port-side equipment that are vulnerable to mechanical damage and failure — from engines, propellers, and rudders to cranes and other heavy machinery.

Philippa highlights the types of damage that can occur, how these issues are investigated, and discusses key damage mechanisms such as wear and fatigue cracking. She explains how these can escalate into catastrophic failures through ductile or brittle fracture. Drawing on her expertise, Philippa will share her approach to examining fractured or damaged metal surfaces, highlighting the tell-tale features that reveal the root causes of failure. The role of welds will also be explored, offering a comprehensive look at the forensic techniques used in marine mechanical failure analysis.