Structural Integrity (Asset Reliability Management) MSc

Compulsory

• Fracture Mechanics and Fatigue Analysis
  This module focuses on the analysis of cracked and un-cracked structures. It aims to familiarise students to the material behaviour against mechanical failure such as fracture, fatigue and how the knowledge of structural integrity could prevent catastrophic failure which results to sever consequences. It will focus on the analytical aspects of main parameters, primary and secondary stresses, local and global collapse and fracture mechanics and fatigue analysis, particularly in terms of the linear elastic fracture mechanics, and elastic-plastic analysis with J-integral, CTOD.
• Materials – Metallurgy and Materials

  This module develops an understanding of metallurgy and materials science for material classes commonly used in engineering applications: structural and low-alloy steels, corrosion resistant alloys, alloys for high temperature service, light-weight structural materials (Ti-based alloys, Al-based alloys, composites) and polymers.

  The module will focus on production routes such as welding and joining, standard tests for evaluation of material properties, covering hardness, corrosion, wear, microstructure, composition and degradation mechanisms (environmentally assisted cracking, creep, high temperature oxidation, corrosion and wear).

  The training providing in this module will help delegates better understand the failure of structures and support materials selection for engineering applications.

• NDT Inspection Methodology

  Delivered through TWI Training and Examination Services, this module provides the theoretical knowledge covering the basic principles of major conventional NDT methods:

  • Visual Testing (VT)
  • Penetrant Testing Theory (PT)
  • Magnetic Particle Testing Theory (MT)
  • Ultrasonic Testing (UT), including Phased Array (PAUT)
  • Radiographic Testing

  Delivery blends self-guided e-learning and face-to-face sessions, including practical “hands-on” sessions using conventional NDT methods. You will also have access to an 8m pipe loop demonstrator to experience in “in-field” UT measurements on machined defect maps.

  The module also covers the principles of planning an inspection strategy to allow you to identify and evaluate the correct inspection methods for a specific task, to ensure it meets inspection requirements (outlined in international standards) and provide relevant input into an engineering assessment.

  After successful completion, TWI will issue a certificate of attendance (NDT Appreciation Course), which can be claimed against CPD points required for any professional recognition. There is further opportunity to work towards CSWIP Level 2 Inspector Certificate for Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT) and/or Magnetic Particles Testing (MT).

• Reliability Engineering

  This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the main mathematical and numerical aspects for assessing and quantifying the reliability of individual components and structures.

  Through topics including the rules of probability, continuous and discrete distribution functions, fitting continuous distribution functions to discrete data and load-strength interference, this will allow Structural Integrity engineers to consolidate and apply these techniques to the analysis of individual components and systems composed of two or more components.

  Indicative content:
  Bayes’ Theorem; Probability tree analysis; Reliability of items; Weibull analysis; Continuous and discrete probability distributions; Parameter estimation; Reliability of systems; Reliability block diagrams; Markov analysis; Reliability of structures; Monto Carlo Simulation.

• Structural Health Monitoring

  All structures deteriorate as they age, which if left unchecked, could result in catastrophic failure. Non-destructive testing (NDT) can be used to monitor known defects, but how do you know where / when to inspect? Structural health monitoring (SHM) involves using sensors attached to a structure to provide real-time data on its condition, allowing structural integrity engineers to observe changes in structural health caused by new defects or deterioration of existing flaws. This module will discuss the design and implementation of structural health monitoring systems, the types of damage and the levels of detection using in-service monitoring technologies. Focusing on damage detection using vibration data, the techniques for processing signals will be presented (time and frequency domain), together with correlation techniques for damage location and identification (operational modal analysis). Finally, uncertainty quantification of data (robustness) will be covered to inform decisions on maintenance and safe operation.

  Indicative content:

  • Health Monitoring Systems – design of structural health monitoring systems;
  • Types of damage, levels of detection;
  • In – service monitoring technologies;
  • Ageing structures problems;
  • Emerging smart technologies;
  • Damage Detection using Vibration Data;
  • Model based detection, model updating techniques;
  • Modal environmental effects;
  • Correlation techniques for damage location and identification using output only measurements (operational modal analysis);
  • Damage Detection Using Stress and Ultrasonic Waves.
  • Signal Processing for Damage Detection;
  • Time-frequency analysis (wavelet) analysis;
  • Uncertainty Quantification computational tools and applications.
• Numerical Modelling of Solids and Structures

  This module is accredited by meeting core finite element competencies of the NAFEMS Professional Simulation Engineer Scheme.​ Finite Element Analysis is a widely used and industry standard technique to simulate complex, real-world engineering problems. With an appropriate mathematical model representative of the engineering physics, FEA provides structural insight into the load path, identification of design faults, reducing the need for physical prototypes, as well as the potential for design optimisation, or investigate “what if” design changes virtually. However, for those new to FEA, the learning curve is steep, not only in developing the model, but also in post-processing results. This module provides an understanding of the inner workings of the finite element method through introducing key numerical and mathematical aspects. Knowledge and training to solve day-to-day structural mechanics problems will be demonstrated through progressive examples using commercial analysis codes. The lessons learned relate to good finite element practice and are code independent to help avoid common numerical and modelling user errors, many of which stem from a “blackbox” approach to this technique.

  Indicative content:

  • Background, history, applicability to different physics problems;
  • Illustration of direct stiffness method based on 2 dimensional beam elements;
  • Principle of Minimum Potential Energy;
  • Development of stiffness and mass matrices for a 2-dimensional membrane element;
  • Isoparametric 1,2 and 3D elements;
  • Numerical integration;
  • Problems and errors associated with applying FEM to the solution of actual problems;
  • Practical aspects of FE modelling: 1-2-3 dimensional meshing;
  • Geometric modelling of simple components;
  • Importing of geometric models from other software;
  • Simulation of different types of loads and boundary conditions for different types of analyses;
  • Mesh generation (quality) and selection techniques;
  • Application of commercial codes for linear / nonlinear structural analysis;
  • Advanced post-processing and interpretation of results.
• Codes and Standards in Structural Integrity

  To develop industry ready Structural Integrity engineers responsible for operational safety decisions for components containing defects, this module covers design codes, standards associated with welding and weld quality, together with standards for carrying out structural integrity assessments. These latter standards (principally BS 7910 and API 579) are expanded upon and the principles of fitness-for-service assessment are described through numerous case studies. Taught by TWI specialists, the module provides an opportunity to undertake a range of assessments using commercial software tools developed by TWI:

  • CrackWISE® fitness-for-service (FFS) software

  Evaluate the integrity of pipelines, pressure equipment and structures containing flaws in line with BS 7910.

  • IntegriWISE™ API 579 fitness-for-service software

  Evaluate the integrity of ageing pipework, pipelines, storage tanks, boilers, pressure vessels and high temperature equipment through a fitness-for-service (FFS) assessment (i.e. automates Level 1 and 2 FFS assessments from API 579 / ASME FFS-1).

  Indicative content:
  Introduction to BS7910, API 579-1 and relevant codes and standards for design and welding quality; Failure Assessment Diagram; Fracture assessment procedure Option 1, and 2 analysis; Fatigue assessment procedures; fracture mechanics based calculations of fatigue crack growth; Assessment of non-planar flaws.

• Stress Analysis

  This module reviews key topics in stress analysis and underpins the analysis of material and structural failure developed in subsequent modules for metallic and composite materials as part of the Structural Integrity (Asset Reliability Management) MSc. The first section provides a thorough understanding in stress analysis with emphasis on statically determinate and indeterminate structures under axial, bending and torsion loads, the relationship between material properties and constitutive laws and implications of failure criteria. The second section introduces the role of composite materials in engineering design, whereby mechanical properties can be tailored to meet performance targets and includes a review of standard lamination theory for prediction of stiffness, strength and failure.

  Indicative Content:

  • Material response, definition of stress / strain, plane stress / plane strain transformations;
  • Analysis and design implications of statically determinate and indeterminate structures;
  • Response of structures under axial, bending and torsional loads; Review of failure criteria for ductile and brittle materials;
  • Energy methods of structural analysis; State of the art of high performance composites materials technology, key characteristics / properties, fabrication methods and manufacturing;
  • Elasticity of long and short-fibre composites, equivalent elastic properties and stress-strain relationships;
  • Lamination theory for prediction of stiffness, strength and failure.
• Dissertation
  The dissertation enables students to learn the latest advances and the overall development of the specific technical subject area of concern and present the methodologies, to identify, interpret and discuss the specific aspects associated with the chosen technical subject area of concern, to apply knowledge learnt during the course to engineering problems for technically sound solutions, and to practise and demonstrate the ability to carry out a research oriented project to further enhance the technical understanding of the chosen subject area.