1. Classification by material damage mechanism

According to the physical and chemical essential mechanisms and process characteristics of materials that change during mechanical failure.

2. Classified by function

From the definition of failure, the criterion for failure is to see if the specified function is lost. Therefore, the classification of failures can be classified by function. For example, various material defects (including composition, properties, organization, surface integrity, variety, specifications, etc.) can be used to classify material failures according to the specified functions of different materials. Mechanical products can be classified according to their respective specified functions.

3. Classification by the consequences of mechanical failure

(1) Partial failure

(2) Complete failure

(3) mild failure

(4) Hazardous (serious) failure

(5) Catastrophic (fatal) failure

4. Classification by time characteristics of mechanical failure

(1) Early failure can be divided into accidental early failure and wear period failure.

(2) Sudden failure can be divided into progressive (gradient) failure and intermittent failure.

The classification of failure analysis is generally divided into: according to the purpose of the analysis:

(1) Narrow failure analysis: The main purpose is to find out the direct cause of product failure.

(2) Generalized failure analysis: not only to find out the direct cause of product failure, but also to find out the weak links in technical management.

(3) Failure analysis of the new product development stage: failure analysis of the failed developed product.

(4) Failure analysis of the product trial stage: failure analysis of the failed test article.

(5) Failure analysis of the use stage of the shaped product: failure analysis of the failed shaped product.

(6) Failure analysis during the use phase of the repair product: failure analysis of the failed repair product.