Failure Cause

Context:
- It can (typically) be a condition or set of conditions that lead to the inability of a component, system, or process to perform its required function.
- It can (typically) be distinguished from Failure Mode, which is the manner in which the failure occurs, not the cause itself.
- It can be a critical factor in root cause analysis and failure analysis.
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Example(s):
- A flawed material used in construction that leads to the collapse of a structure.
- An incorrect assembly process in manufacturing that results in product malfunction.
- Design oversight in an electronic device that leads to overheating and failure.
- Material Defect Failure Cause.
- Inadequate Maintenance Failure Cause.
- Environmental Influences Failure Cause.
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Counter-Example(s):
- Failure Mode, which describes how a failure happens, not why it happens.
- Normal Wear and Tear, which is a typical process of aging in components rather than a defect or error.
See: Failure Mode, Stress Testing, Human Error, Root Cause Analysis, Failure Analysis.

References

(Wikipedia, 2024) ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/failure_cause Retrieved:2024-1-23.
- Failure causes are defects in design, process, quality, or part application, which are the underlying cause of a failure or which initiate a process which leads to failure. Where failure depends on the user of the product or process, then human error must be considered.