• Inactive for Year: 2026/27

• Module Leader(s): Dr Alasdair Charles
• Lecturer: Dr Adrian Oila

• Owning School: Engineering
• Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus

Semesters

Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.

Aims

This module develops advanced understanding of the failure processes that limit the life of engineering materials, components and structures. Students will examine fatigue, creep, fracture, contact fatigue, wear, corrosion and oxidation, and will learn how these mechanisms influence reliability and service-life prediction.

The module enables students to apply engineering science, materials knowledge and analytical methods to assess component degradation, estimate lifetime and evaluate reliability in practical engineering contexts. It also considers the role of material selection, surface engineering and lubrication in improving component performance and extending service life.

Through report-based assessment, students will develop the ability to use technical literature, apply empirical and analytical life-prediction models, evaluate assumptions and limitations, and communicate reliability assessments in a clear technical format.

Outline Of Syllabus

The module will typically cover:

1. Fatigue in engineering applications, including low-cycle and high-cycle fatigue.

2. Creep failure mechanisms and design considerations for creep-limited applications.

3. Fracture processes and their relevance to structural integrity and lifetime prediction.

4. Contact mechanics, including Hertz theory and material responses to contact stresses.

5. Friction, wear mechanisms and surface contact fatigue.

6. Lubrication and surface engineering processes used to enhance component lifetime.

7. Tribological performance of engineering components such as gears and bearings.

8. Corrosion mechanisms and material degradation in aggressive environments.

9. High-temperature oxidation mechanisms and kinetics.

10. Empirical and analytical approaches for service-life and reliability estimation, including model assumptions and limits of applicability.

Teaching Methods

Teaching Activities

Jointly Taught With

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module uses lectures, worked examples, guided problem-solving and report-based independent study to develop Masters-level understanding of lifetime prediction and design for reliability. Lectures introduce advanced failure mechanisms, material degradation processes, tribology, corrosion, oxidation and life-prediction approaches, supporting M1 and M2. Worked examples and problem-based activities develop students’ ability to apply analytical and empirical methods to assess service life, reliability, uncertainty and model limitations.

Independent report work supports M4 by requiring students to use technical literature and published data to inform reliability assessments. The module also supports M13 through consideration of materials, lubrication, surface engineering and related technologies used to improve component lifetime, with attention to their practical limitations. Technical reporting develops M17 by requiring students to present evidence, calculations and justified conclusions clearly.

Assessment Methods

The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners

Other Assessment

Formative Assessments

Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The two technical reports provide an appropriate assessment method for Masters-level lifetime prediction and reliability analysis. They assess advanced technical understanding of failure mechanisms, materials behaviour and degradation processes, supporting M1. They also assess students’ ability to apply analytical and empirical methods to estimate life and reliability, evaluate uncertainty and recognise the limitations of models, supporting M2.

The report format enables students to select, interpret and critically evaluate technical literature, published data and life-prediction approaches, supporting M4. Where students justify materials, lubrication, surface engineering or related technology choices for improved lifetime and reliability, the assessment also supports M13. The structured written reports assess the communication of complex technical analysis, assumptions, evidence, calculations and conclusions, supporting M17.

Overall, the assessment strategy aligns with Level 7 expectations by requiring students to apply advanced engineering knowledge, evaluate evidence and model limitations, make justified reliability-related decisions and communicate technical findings effectively.

Reading Lists

• AER8012's Reading List

Timetable

• Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
• AER8012's Timetable