Core Module Information
Module title: Forensic Materials Engineering

SCQF level: 11:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: MEC11112
Module leader: Neil Shearer
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Engineering and Mathematics
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

Forensic materials engineering methods including macroscopic inspection, microscopic examination, chemical analysis and mechanical testing. Specifically this will cover:
Mechanical testing: stress-strain, creep, fatigue, impact, hardness, fracture toughness, abrasion, friction, tear, compression.
Thermal testing: Tg, Tm, flame testing, thermal analysis.
Optical and Electron Microscopy: lighting variations, scanning/transmission electron microscopy, preparation of specimens.
Detection and Identification: EDXA, chromatography, X-ray diffraction, atomic absorption, mass and emission spectrography.
Optical testing: colour, haze, gloss, birefringence.
Non-Destructive Testing: X-radiography, []-radiography, ultrasonic testing, dye-penetrant, magnetic particle inspection.
Processability testing: viscosity, cure shrinkage, orientation.
Test procedures: standards, need for testing
Environmental testing: chemical resistance, stress cracking, ageing, accelerated corrosion.
Fire performance testing: ignitability, spread of flame, smoke, toxic gases, LOI.
Solderability testing: solder balance, microscopic evaluation.
In addition to the above, the failure of products and processes will be considered together with case studies of major disasters where materials failures were considered significant contributors.



Learning Outcomes for module:

On completion of this module you will be able to:
LO1: critically assess, select and apply a range of physical, analytical and mechanical examination techniques used in materials technology and product failure analysis.
LO2: apply appropriate forensic techniques to analyse and report on the cause of failures in products.
LO3: select and apply appropriate investigative techniques to determine the quality of components and investigate product defects
LO4: conduct a product/failure analysis using forensic methods and report, orally and in written work, the outcomes of the investigation.

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2023/4, Trimester 2, Face-to-Face, Edinburgh Napier University
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: Face-to-Face
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner: Edinburgh Napier University
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Neil Shearer
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)
Face To Face Practical classes and workshops 39
Independent Learning Guided independent study 132
Face To Face Lecture 26
Face To Face Centrally Time Tabled Examination 3
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words
Report 10 1 6 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 1000
Report 10 4 11 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 500
Centrally Time Tabled Examination 60 1,2,3 14/15 HOURS= 3, WORDS= 0
Report 20 4 13 HOURS= 0, WORDS= 1500
Component 1 subtotal: 40
Component 2 subtotal: 60
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
Forensic Materials Engineering