Chemical analysis is a critical part of any failure investigation. With the right planning and proper analytical equipment, a myriad of information can be obtained from a sample. This article presents a high-level introduction to techniques often used for chemical analysis during failure analysis. It describes the general considerations for bulk and microscale chemical analysis in failure analysis, the most effective techniques to use for organic or inorganic materials, and examples of using these techniques. The article discusses the processes involved in the chemical analysis of nonmetallics. Advances in chemical analysis methods for failure analysis are also covered.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the cause of the ultrasonic signal attenuation noted during an inspection of a composite aircraft component. Although ultrasonics was able to identify the location of the defective areas, destructive analysis had to be utilized to determine the exact nature of the defect. The investigation describes how cross-sectioning, fractography, and chemical analysis were utilized to determine the type of defect responsible for the signal attenuation.