Module manager: Dr RF Cochrane
Email: r.f.cochrane@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will provide a thorough understanding in quantitative methodologies for materials and process selection and the opportunity to put these into practice in a selection and specification project. It will provide students with the knowledge and confidence to tackle a forensic engineering materials investigation.
The objectives of this module are to:
- Provide students with a secure grounding in quantitative methodologies for materials and process selection and the opportunity to put these into practice in a selection and specification project;
- Provide students with the knowledge to tackle a forensic engineering investigation and the opportunity to carry out such an investigation on a limited scale and against strict time constraints.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
1. Understand critically the interplay between developments in materials and engineering design.
2. Understand the methodology of materials and process selection in engineering design.
3. Understand the issues underlying the specification and sourcing of materials in design and production engineering.
4. Quantitatively select appropriate materials for a technical system consisting of a number of components, from specification through materials and process selection to specification and sourcing.
5. Deal with sources of materials property data, and realise when these are inadequate and property measurements are required.
6. Specify necessary in-service monitoring and carry out lifetime predictions.
7. Assess likely causes of component failure from a knowledge of service conditions.
8. Select and apply a wide range of microscopic and analytical techniques in the forensic investigation of metallurgical or materials failure.
9. Recommend appropriate remedial measures to prevent recurrence of a given failure.
10. Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.
11. Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and 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.
12. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts.
13. Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Problem solving
b. Design skills
c. Communication skills
- In service failure modes;
- Methodologies of materials and process selection in structural and functional design: qualitative and quantitative;
- Materials specification and sourcing: alloy designations and materials equivalences;
- Databases and materials information sources;
- Maintenance, monitoring and lifetime predictions;
- Approach to failure analysis;
- Tools of failure analysis;
- Fractography;
- Metallurgical failure analysis: mechanical failure, environmental effects; characteristics of fracture;
- Weld failure;
- Failure of polymers, ceramics and composites: special features of mechanical failure and environment;
- Failure prevention: design codes and inspection procedures;
- Failure in electronic components and devices;
- Case studies.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Class | 4 | 2 | 8 |
| Lectures | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| seminars | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Practicals | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Independent online learning hours | 36 | ||
| Private study hours | 86 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 28 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150 | ||
Performance in formative quizzes integrated into online learning resources.
Feedback on Individual Failure Analysis Interim Report.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Report | Selection & Specification Project | 50 |
| Report | Individual Failure Analysis Interim Report | 10 |
| Report | Individual Failure Analysis Final Report | 40 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
The Selection and Specification Project report re-sit may be an individual assignment dependent on numbers re-sitting. The Individual Failure Analysis re-sits will not involve practical work.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team