The aim of this module is to discuss in detail the main modes of failure in materials including creep, fatigue and fracture. Strategies to improve materials resistance to these failure types and methods to predict material failure will be evaluated. This includes understanding the advanced characterisation and non-destructive evaluation techniques required to evaluate materials failures. These link to the following topics in the 2017 QAA Materials Subject Benchmark Statement: 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 vii compositional analysis - spectroscopic methods (electron/X-ray probe/ infra-red/ultra-violet techniques), chemical 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:
Explain and analyse the common failure modes (Creep, Fatigue and Fracture) of a range of engineering materials and evaluate methods to predict component failures;
Evaluate strategies to improve engineering materials resistance to these failure modes;
Select appropriate characterisation techniques for fine scale features necessary to identify mode of failure and explain how these methods work;
Describe the operation, benefits and limitations of common NDE techniques;
Select and describe appropriate NDE techniques for various defects;
These link to the AHEP v4 learning outcomes
Apply knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Some of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study (C1)
Analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles (C2)
Select and evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to address complex problems (C4)
Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity (C9/M9)
Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (C12/M12)
Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (C13/M13)
Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems (C14/M14)
Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering (M1)