This module introduces students to how components can fail by fracture (rapid crack growth) and fatigue (slow crack growth), 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.
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 creep) 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;
Discuss appropriate testing methods
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)
Design solutions for complex problems that meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards (C5)
Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks (C10/M10)
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)
Assessment: 50% coursework (comprised of 25% lab report and 25% tutorial sheet) 50% 2 hour closed book exam
Semester 1 (LI Fracture, Fatigue and Degradation A 34056)– 25% coursework (25% tutorial Sheet)
Semester 2 (LI Fracture, Fatigue and Degradation B 34060) – 75% (50% exam, 25% lab report)