Course Details in 2025/26 Session

Module Title	LI Fracture, Fatigue and Degradation
School	Metallurgy and Materials
Department	Metallurgy & Materials
Module Code	04 31180
Module Lead	Dr David Collins
Level	Intermediate Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites	LC Design for Functional Applications 1 - (04 31175)
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-44 hours Tutorial-8 hours Practical Classes and workshops-8 hours Guided independent study-140 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module introduces students to how components can fail by fracture (rapid crack growth), fatigue (slow crack growth) and corrosion (reaction with external chemicals), dependent on their microstructure and residual stress state, and methods to characterise and predict these. It links to the following statements in the 2017 QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Materials: 3.4 iii structure on the nano, micro, meso and macro scales iv mechanical behaviour - elastic and plastic deformation, creep and fatigue, fracture, strengthening, toughening and stiffening mechanisms vi structural characterisation - optical and electron microscopy techniques, electron and X-ray diffraction, scanning probe techniques, thermal analysis viii mechanical test methods xiii degradation/durability of materials - effect of environment upon performance, corrosion, wear, and biodegradation
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Analyse, distinguish and explain the common failure modes (including brittle and ductile fracture, fatigue, and corrosion) of a range of engineering materials (including metals, ceramics, composites, polymers and glasses) Explain strategies to control these failure modes based on understanding their various mechanisms and causes Define principal stresses and strains and use Mohr’s circle to determine them Calculate and apply the Tresca and von Mises yield criteria Explain the effects of residual stress on mechanical properties, including stress corrosion cracking Discuss appropriate testing methods These link to the following AHEP3 learning outcomes: SM 1 Knowledge and understanding of scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline, to enable appreciation of its scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies SM2 Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline and to enable them to apply mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently in the analysis and solution of engineering problem EA1 Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to analyse key engineering processes EA2 Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques EP2 Knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes, or products EP3 Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills EP4 Understanding of the use of technical literature and other information sources EP7 Awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement EP8 Ability to work with technical uncertainty
Assessment	31180-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (70%) 31180-02 : Coursework : Coursework (30%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessments: Written examination (70%), Continuous assessment (30%). Reassessment: Exam only
Other
Reading List