Materials Testing and Evaluation (FSI-WZ1-A)

The course covers the explanation of deformation and fracture behaviour of structural materials. The main goal is to provide students with comprehensive information on principles, measurement methods, and practical application of mechanical characteristics.

Basic skills in materials engineering include: (i) selecting materials for design, (ii) the ability to determine the cause of device damage resulting from material failure, (iii) evaluating the mechanical and structural properties of materials, and the knowledge required for a testing laboratory manager.

The first part of the course “Materials Testing” covers the experimental determination and evaluation of the mechanical characteristics and fracture behaviour of metallic and non-metallic structural materials. The course also reviews current testing technology and examines force application systems, force measurement, strain measurement, important instrument considerations, equipment for environmental testing, and computer applications for materials testing. It addresses fracture mechanics and the application of relationships and parameters established by fracture mechanics in both the development of new structural materials and structural integrity planning.

The exam is written, and the questions and sample answers are evaluated by an independent reviewer. A set of questions representing the topics covered is provided.
The exercises in this course are mandatory. Absence from the exercises must be properly excused. In addition to participation, credit is granted only if the tasks completed in the exercises are factually correct.

Mechanical behaviour and mechanical characteristics
Elasticity – principles and characteristics
Plastic deformation of metals
Tensile test – standards for metals, polymers, and ceramics
True stress – true strain interpretation of the tensile test; hardness tests
Bending and torsion tests; strength of ceramics
Internal friction, creep – fundamentals and characteristics
Brittle fracture of steel – temperature transition approach, empirical methods
Background of fracture mechanics
Fracture toughness testing – metals, polymers, and ceramics
Fatigue of materials
Structural integrity assessment procedures and fracture mechanics
Specific features of mechanical testing for ceramics and plastics

Laboratory for mechanical testing
Discussion of mechanical testing
How to use the internet for problem solving
Discussion of elastic deformation
Plastic deformation
Impact testing and transition temperatures
Fracture mechanics – definition and background
Fracture toughness determination – metals, polymers, and ceramics
Fatigue of materials
Creep