# What Really Failed? Understanding Failure in Materials, Components, and Assemblies > This eBook explains how failure analysis helps engineering teams move from visible damage to defensible root cause. Using examples from metallurgical failure analysis, PCB/electronics failure analysis, polymer analysis, and component-level investigations, the guide walks through Covalent’s workflow: defining the problem, gathering service history, starting with non-destructive methods, moving into destructive analysis when needed, and using […] Source: https://covalent.com/resource-library/what-really-failed-understanding-failure-in-materials/ Updated: 2026-06-10T00:54:16+00:00 --- ![](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/themes/covalent/assets/images/blog-default-banner.jpg) ![](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/themes/covalent/assets/images/blog-mobile-banner.jpg) # What Really Failed? Understanding Failure in Materials, Components, and Assemblies ![What Really Failed? Understanding Failure in Materials, Components, and Assemblies](https://spcdn.shortpixel.ai/spio/ret_img,q_cdnize,to_auto,s_webp:avif/covalent.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/covalent-ebook-failure-analysis-v2.png) Jun 09, 2026 This eBook explains how failure analysis helps engineering teams move from visible damage to defensible root cause. Using examples from metallurgical [failure analysis](https://covalent.com/solutions/failure-analysis/), PCB/electronics failure analysis, polymer analysis, and component-level investigations, the guide walks through Covalent’s workflow: defining the problem, gathering service history, starting with non-destructive methods, moving into destructive analysis when needed, and using chemistry and microstructure to complete the story. Topics include weld porosity, cratering, incomplete penetration, solder non-wetting, plated-through-hole defects, capacitor termination failures, connector contamination, fracture analysis, [SEM](https://covalent.com/techniques/electron-microscopy/scanning-electron-microscopy-sem/)/EDS, EBSD, [micro-CT](https://covalent.com/techniques/morphology-structural-analysis/micro-x-ray-computed-tomography-micro-ct/), [SAM](https://covalent.com/techniques/morphology-structural-analysis/scanning-acoustic-microscopy-sam/), [dye-and-pry](https://covalent.com/techniques/mechanical-testing/dye-and-pry-testing/), [cross-sectioning](https://covalent.com/techniques/mechanical-testing/mechanical-cross-section-analysis-x-section/), and polymer FA decision pathways. The eBook emphasizes that effective failure analysis is not just defect hunting—it is a structured, multi-technique investigation that turns physical evidence into practical corrective action. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates, insights, and breakthroughs - delivered straight to your inbox.