Abstract

CASTRO-CASTRO, José David  and  CENDALES-LADINO, Edwin Darío. Cases Applied to Root Cause Analysis: A Review. Cienc. Ing. Neogranad. [online]. 2019, vol.29, n.1, pp.95-134. ISSN 0124-8170.  https://doi.org/10.18359/rcin.3197.

This paper provides a literary review on implementing root cause analysis (RCA) to address several mechanical problems in various production industries. First, we briefly contextualize the definition of RCA, list the proper implementation steps for applying RCA to an engineering problem, and discuss its benefits concerning mitigating expenses in construction works, at a production plant, or in any another situation that requires an analysis of this nature. The studies referenced herein describe different cases wherein the RCA methodology has been deployed to determine the reason why critical equipment parts fail. Based on this review, the following most common crucial steps are determined: explaining the nature of the failing element; developing a physicochemical characterization of the element's material through spectroscopy, micrography, and fractography; and in some cases, applying design concepts through finite element analysis. Additionally, the study element is compared against recent or previous research on possible failure mechanisms to determine its probable root cause. Finally, we offer recommendations for mitigating some failure risks, resulting in operational and economic improvement.

Keywords : RCA; Fatigue; Corrosion; Part Failure.

        · abstract in Spanish | Portuguese     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )