This module introduces students to how components can fail by corrosion (reaction with external chemicals), dependent on their microstructure and the environment, 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;
vi structural characterisation - optical and electron microscopy techniques, electron and X-ray diffraction, scanning probe techniques, thermal analysis;
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 degradation modes of a range of engineering materials (including metals, ceramics, composites, polymers and glasses);
Explain strategies to control modes of material degradation based on understanding their various mechanisms and causes;
Explain the effects of residual stress on mechanical properties, including stress corrosion cracking;
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)