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Abstract
The purpose of this article is to present an engineering method for the determination of cause by the identification of defects that lead to failure. Further discussion on this topic is of course warranted and this article is anticipated to catalyze such discussions. In order to facilitate the development and presentation of this cause determination method, the definition of defect as it relates to failure is first presented. While not all failures are the result of defects (and not all defects result in failures), identification of a defect may point to opportunities to prevent recurrence and assist in the determination of cause. Furthermore, use of this method also serves to identify causes of failure that are not attributable just to the actions of responsible parties: such as wear and tear, acts of nature, and the unknown. Once the cause is identified, the resolution, recovery, and recurrence prevention process then has the opportunity to move forward. To further demonstrate application of the cause determination method presented here, case studies of failures are provided.