Failure is an inevitable part of the journey to success. In engineering, perhaps more than in any other field, failure is not just an option; it’s a necessity. The very nature of engineering—problem-solving, innovation, and improvement—demands a willingness to fail. Engineers experiment, test, and refine their ideas, often encountering numerous failures before achieving a successful solution. This iterative process of trial and error is an integral part of advancing technology and improving our world.
A great example of using testing to failure which has allowed for engineering advancement are the iron bridges of the 18th century. The first bridge made entirely of cast iron is the iconic 'Iron Bridge' in Shropshire, England, completed in 1781. Until then, iron had not previously used for such large structures.
The success of the Iron Bridge was preceded by numerous experiments and smaller-scale failures. Engineers built and tested smaller iron structures to failure, learning crucial lessons about the material’s strengths and weaknesses. These experiments informed the design, ensuring that the Iron Bridge could safely support its intended loads.
This approach of testing to failure provided invaluable data, allowing engineers to refine their methods and use iron more effectively in future projects, which paved the way for widespread use of iron in bridge construction. Many bridges were made of cast iron in following years as a result, leading to the development of larger and more ambitious structures.
Apart from using experiments for testing to failure, unfortunately, often real structural failure has led to design improvements and progress.
One of the notable examples is the collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, nicknamed “Galloping Gertie,” in 1940. This suspension bridge, which spanned the Tacoma Narrows strait of Puget Sound, collapsed due to aeroelastic flutter caused by wind. The designers had not anticipated the bridge’s susceptibility to such oscillations, leading to its dramatic and catastrophic failure.
This disaster prompted significant advancements in bridge design and aerodynamics. Engineers learned the critical importance of understanding wind effects on structures and the need for rigorous testing and simulation. The lessons from Tacoma Narrows directly influenced the design of safer, more resilient bridges worldwide.
Another example, which has led to the advancement of aviation safety are the catastrophic in-flight breakups of The De Havilland Comet, the world’s first commercial jetliner in the early 1950s. Investigations revealed that metal fatigue around the square windows caused the failures. The Comet’s tragic history led to a complete redesign of aircraft windows, which are now rounded to distribute stress more evenly. This failure profoundly influenced aviation safety standards and the development of materials science, making air travel safer for millions of passengers each year.
These examples highlight a crucial truth: failure in engineering, while often costly and sometimes tragic, serves as a powerful catalyst for improvement and innovation. Each failure provides valuable insights that drive the evolution of technology and engineering practices.
As an engineer or engineering enthusiast we can agree that failure (when not at at the expense of life) can be positive;
• Failure Promotes Innovation: Engineers often learn more from their failures than their successes. These lessons lead to breakthroughs that might not have been possible without the initial failure.
• Continuous Improvement: Engineering is a field of constant refinement. Failures help identify weaknesses and areas for improvement, leading to better, more reliable designs.
Extending the Lessons to Real Life
The principles derived from engineering failures can be applied to real life. Failure, while often painful, is a fundamental aspect of growth and success in any field.
As hard as it can be, we can try to look at failure in the following way;
• Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Each failure teaches us something new. Instead of fearing failure, we should embrace it as a chance to gain insights and improve.
• Persistence is Key: Success often requires multiple attempts. Persistence and a willingness to try again after failure are critical traits for achieving long-term goals.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Being able to adapt to failure and change course when necessary is essential. Flexibility in approach can lead to new and better solutions.
• Value of Reflection: Taking the time to analyse and understand why something failed is crucial. Reflection helps prevent repeated mistakes and fosters continuous personal and professional growth.
The road to success is often paved with failures. Whether in engineering or in life, each failed attempt brings us one step closer to our goals. For me this is a frustrating truth! Both in my engineering job and my creative endeavours. But, by learning from our mistakes, staying persistent, and trying to maintain a flexible mindset, we can all do our best to transform failure into a powerful tool for success.
