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School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

Adv Stress & Failure Mode Analysis (892H1)

Advanced Stress and Failure Mode Analysis

Module 892H1

Module details for 2025/26.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 7 (Masters)

Module Outline

Solid Mechanics is foundational in Mechanical Engineering, extending into the design and manufacturing of innovative components, structures, and products. In this area, understanding stress analysis is crucial for you to effectively operate between design and manufacturing. This module will build a solid foundation in both analytical and cutting-edge numerical stress analysis techniques, applying these directly to real-world industrial challenges. By focusing on solid mechanics failure modes, you will be equipped to actively contribute to manufacturing requirement analyses, such as PFMEA or similar methodologies. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience in advanced numerical analysis, focusing on the finite element method with ANSYS APDL, an industry-standard software.

Indicative Content
• Revision on fundamentals of stress theory including compression, tension, and shear.
• Introduction three-dimensional stress states and evaluation of directional, normal, and principal stress states accounting for planar shear.
• Introduction to stress tensors and characterisation of physical stress systems using tensors.
• Introduction to complex stress state and evaluation of biaxial stress elements.
• Numerical methods in stress analysis and three-dimensional equations.
• Accounting for stress concentration and deriving curve-based solutions.
• Application of failure theories such as Von-mises, Tresca etc.
• Failure and characterisation of isotropic and anisotropic metals.
• Failure and characterisation of cellular materials.
• Stress characterisation in composite materials.
• Elastic and plastic strain in auxetic and meta-materials.
• Material testing methods and application – accounting for porosity and inhomogeneity.
• Effective technical communication and report writing (CC: English and Maths, Personal/Professional Development.)

Module learning outcomes

Propose original concepts for engineered products, systems, or processes
created using state of the art stress analysis principles and techniques.

Systematically understand the underpinning fundamental theory that
governs Stress Analysis.

Demonstrate critical awareness of the capabilities of the classical stress
theories to model and analyse the behaviour of structures and engineering
components and their potential failure modes as part of PFMEA or
equivalent activities.

Comprehensively apply analytical and numerical methods to solve stress
analysis problems in specific applications, such as those encountered in
appropriate industries, and demonstrate critical awareness of their
limitations.

TypeTimingWeighting
Coursework100.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
Problem SetT2 Week 6 40.00%
ReportA2 Week 1 60.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterLecture2 hours51110011110
Spring SemesterLaboratory2 hours51101111100

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

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The University reserves the right to make changes to the contents or methods of delivery of, or to discontinue, merge or combine modules, if such action is reasonably considered necessary by the University. If there are not sufficient student numbers to make a module viable, the University reserves the right to cancel such a module. If the University withdraws or discontinues a module, it will use its reasonable endeavours to provide a suitable alternative module.

School of Engineering and Informatics (for staff and students)

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