Integrity of Materials and Structures

Lecturer(s)

Dr. M. Roth, P. Flüeler, Dr. T. Graule

Hour(s) of lecture(s), exercise(s) and credit points

2L
2E
4CP

Teaching goals

The course deals with failures in metallic and ceramic components as well as polymers. It is strongly outlined that failure analysis does not mean just watching on isolated fracture surfaces. The role and influence of the entire system has to be taken into account. The system comprises different aspects like material, construction, fabrication, loading, environment, maintenance. This will be demonstrated by numerous case studies which will be discussed together with the students.

Summary and outline

Metals: Based on the fundamentals of the origination and appearance of fractures the influences of material, construction and fabrication on failure mechanism are discussed. Special interest is devoted to detrimental operative conditions (mechanical, thermal, corrosive overload). This is demonstrated by case studies from different fields (energy production plants, transportation technology, machinery, etc.).

Ceramics: Ceramics are used in applications where electrical insulation, resistance to wear, or the ability to withstand high temperatures are needed. As such they are exposed to electricial, mechanical and thermal loads, and erosive and corrosive environments. Failure mechanisms in ceramic components under operating conditions are analyzed with reference to examples drawn from mechanical engineering and plant construction. Specifically, corrosion mechanisms relating to fluids, erosion mechanisms for fluids loaded with particles, and hot-gas corrosion and creep at high temperatures are considered.

Polymers: Methodology and procedures of failure analysis on polymer materials, systems approach, general failure mechanisms of polymers including aging, analysis of typical failures of thermoplasts, thermosets and elastomers based on application oriented cases, exercises on selected failure cases individually and/or as team.

Literature

Metals Handbook, Vol. 11: Failure Analysis and Prevention

Systematische Beurteilung technischer Schadensfälle. DGM Informationsgesellschaft, DGM Oberursel 1998

G.W. Ehrenstein: Kunststoff-Schadenanalyse, Methoden und Verfahren, Hanser Verlag 1992

VDI-Richtlinien: VDI 3822, M䲺 2004, Schadenanalyse

J. Reed, "Introduction to the principles of ceramic processing", John Wiley & Sons, New York (1988).