Forensic Materials Engineering

Module code: MEU44B02 · Semester: Semester 2 (option)

Themes: MAI track · Theme 1: Energy; MAI track · Theme 2: Bioengineering/Manufacturing; MAI track · Theme 3: Mechanical/Manufacturing; BSc track · Theme 1: Energy/Fluids/Manufacturing; BSc track · Theme 2: Bioengineering/Manufacturing; BSc track · Theme 3: Mechanical/Manufacturing

Resources

• Module descriptor (TCD)

Questions by Year

0 of 7 done · tick papers and add notes as you go

• 2019/20
• 2018/19
• 2017/18 (old code ME4B02)
• 2016/17 (old code ME4B02)
• 2015/16 (old code ME4B02)
• 2014/15 (old code ME4B02)
• 2013/14 (old code ME4B02)

Papers open on tcd.ie (sign in to TCD first).

Topics

• Failure modes and fracture surface evidence LO1
• Causes of failure and design against them LO2
• Stress intensity, brittle fracture and fatigue LO4
• Creep and creep-fatigue with damage mechanics LO4
• Failure investigation and expert reports LO3
• Irish legal system, EU defective product law, ethics and standards LO5

Learning outcomes

1. Describe types of mechanical failure and read fracture surfaces to diagnose them
2. List common causes of failure and how design prevents them
3. Investigate a failure as a team and write an expert-witness report
4. Use stress intensity to predict brittle fracture and fatigue; use damage mechanics for creep and creep-fatigue
5. Understand legal and ethical aspects, codes and standards, and the forensic engineer's duties

Summarised from the module descriptor, checked November 2026.