| Abstract Scope |
Failure analysis requires the synthesis of knowledge from fields such as mechanical properties of materials, composition and microstructure, and manufacturing processes. This makes FA an ideal “capstone” course in the undergraduate educational experience for both materials and mechanical engineering students. At WSU, the FA course has been used to satisfy the performance aspect of the four pillars (structure, processing. properties, performance) of materials engineering identified by ABET. Case studies and lectures are used to help students integrate knowledge from earlier courses and to understand how the performance, and therefore failure, of engineered components depends upon design, material selection, manufacture, use and abuse, etc. The “eureka” experience for most students is when they conduct their own FA of a product from their everyday life. An overview of the course, along with student projects on a range of components, such as connecting pins, gears, nail clippers and bathroom hooks, will be presented. |