In this section we will discuss the difference between Failure, Damage and Fatigue. These are important concepts and are required knowledge for many investigations. But first let us review the investigation steps. In module 2 the six investigation steps were discussed. Review this section if you are not familiar with it yet. The investigation steps are necessary to conduct a solid Forensic Engineering investigation. After the orientation phase the field investigation will focus on getting the evidence (data) that can explain the questions:

• What happened?
• Why did it happen?
• How did it happen?

These basic questions can assist when you are doing a field investigation. The main goal in the field investigation is to observe and to write down what you observe. Look, but be careful in what you actually see. Or what you think you see.

Optical illusion: What do you see?

If you look carefully at the image above you can see two things; two faces opposite to each other or a vase.  The above example is an optical illusion and is meant to trick your brain. It is important to observe and describe what you observe, not what you interpret to see when you perform an investigation. So be mindful of what you see, don’t be fooled by optical illusions.