Fractography (FSI-WFR)

The course focuses on the explanation of the causes of machine-part failures, failure micromechanisms, methods of macrofractographic and microfractographic studies, classification and description of fracture appearance with the aim of making students familiar with the potentials of applying fractography to the solution of practical production problems, breakdowns and their causes, optimisation of materials selection, etc.
The knowledge of failure micromechanisms and methods of studying them. Understanding the relations between the properties of materials, the causes of their failures, and ways of preventing failures. The application of fractography as an important tool in solving production problems and breakdowns.

The basic knowledge in the field of materials engineering, with emphasis on the relations between the real structure and performance of materials. In-depth knowledge of limit states, in particular the problems of testing mechanical properties and failure mechanisms. The knowledge of the following experimental methods is also assumed: metallography, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectral microanalysis (EDS and WDS), Auger spectroscopy.

Failure causes and effects. Methods of fractographic analysis. Systematization of the concepts. Fracture micromechanisms. Cleavage and ductile fractures. Quasi-cleavage. Fatigue fractures. Creep fractures. Specific types of fracture. Examples of fractures occurring in operation, and procedures used in their examination.

The graded credit is awarded based on an individual presentation of a selected technical topic delivered before the student group. The final evaluation is determined according to the ECTS grading scale and reflects both the quality of the presentation and the student’s demonstrated understanding of the subject matter. Attendance at practical sessions is mandatory. In the case of absences, a written assignment will be required, typically based on selected articles from the relevant scientific literature.

1. Fracture causes and results.
2. Methods of fractographic analysis.
3. Methods of fractographic analysis.
4. Systematisation of fractographic concepts and failure micromechanisms.
5. Systematisation of fractographic concepts and failure micromechanisms.
6. Transcrystalline fractures.
7. Intercrystalline fractures.
8. Fatigue fractures.
9. Creep fractures.
10. Corrosion under stress.
11. Special cases of fractures.
12. Special cases of fractures.
13. Methodology for solving the causes of fractures during operation.

1. Demonstration of a fractographer’s work in damage analysis (workplace and failure analysis archive).
2. Preparation of fracture surfaces for observation (macro- and micro-fractography).
3–4 Analysis of macro- and micro-fracture surfaces – ductile fractures.
5–6 Analysis of macro- and micro-fracture surfaces – brittle fractures.
7–8 Analysis of macro- and micro-fracture surfaces – fatigue fractures.
9–12 Work on the semester project (use of laboratories for processing the assigned topic – damage analysis).
13. Consultations on semester projects and exercises assessment.