Structural Integrity of Metallic Structures

RAEng poster (1MB PDF) 

The Mechanics of Materials Division has over 30 year experience in ‘Structural Integrity’ of metallic materials based research, involving experimental testing, numerical modelling and the verification of component lifing methods which are associated with failures due to brittle, ductile, fatigue and creep fracture. The main aim has been directed towards developing techniques for predicting failure using fracture mechanics, continuum damage mechanics and micro to meso-scale modelling techniques, which are validated through appropriate experiments.

The division has collaborated with industry and international research establishments on numerous multi-disciplinary projects dealing with different aspects of fracture occurring at a range from cryogenic to very high temperatures. In particular, the main impetus has been in the field of high temperature creep/fatigue crack growth by considering the experimental and metallurgical aspects, micro‑models and numerical predictions associated with it. A considerable knowledge base has been accumulated on advanced steels, single crystals and high temperature protective coatings. The consequent product of this research has been the development of life assessment codes that have been adopted by a range of industrial bodies. Substantial input has been made to a number of codes including BS7910, ASTM, ASME, API, British Energy R6/R5 codes, ISO standards dealing with residual stresses and component creep/fatigue testing and also the design code for the ITER super magnet structure which includes fatigue fracture criteria for cracked components.

email: Kamran Nikbin 

List of Publications 

Relevant Links: Structural Integrity-RCA

S