Introductory description

ES2C8-15 Failure Investigation

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Failure Mechanisms including;
Fatigue
Brittle Fracture
Creep
Corrosion
Design Failure
Investigation methods including;
Optical and Electron Microscopy
Non-Destructive Testing
Social Responsibility
Ethics
Case Studies
Automotive Failures
Crash Investigation
Polymer Product Failures

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Recognise the main failure mechanisms in a range of engineering materials.
• Link failure mechanisms to variations in materials structure, properties and design in a service context.
• Use a range of laboratory techniques to investigate failures.
• Deduce the failure mechanisms in a range of failed components and present findings
• Understand the importance of social responsibility and ethics in the design of components to avoid failure.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

Subject specific skills

1. Plan and manage the design process, including cost drivers, evaluating outcomes, and working with technical uncertainty
2. Knowledge and understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and the use of technical literature and other information
3. Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills
4. Knowledge of professional codes of conduct, how ethical dilemmas can arise, relevant legal and contractual issues.

Transferable skills

1. Apply problem solving skills, information retrieval, and the effective use of general IT facilities
2. Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others
3. Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning
4. Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
5. Overcome difficulties by employing skills, knowledge and understanding in a flexible manner
6. Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue
7. Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches.