Course detail

Fractography

FSI-WFRAcad. year: 2025/2026

Failure causes and effects. Methods of fractographic analysis. Systematization of the concepts. Fracture micromechanisms. Cleavage and ductile fractures. Quasi-cleavage. Fatigue fractures. Creep fractures. Specific types of fracture. Examples of fractures occurring in operation, and procedures used in their examination.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

doc. Ing. Libor Pantělejev, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (ÚMVI)

Entry knowledge

The basic knowledge in the field of materials engineering, with emphasis on the relations between the real structure and performance of materials. In-depth knowledge of limit states, in particular the problems of testing mechanical properties and failure mechanisms. The knowledge of the following experimental methods is also assumed: metallography, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray spectral microanalysis (EDS and WDS), Auger spectroscopy.

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

Graded course-unit credit in the form of presenting an assigned or chosen problem before the group of fellow-students.
Compulsory attendance at exercises. Absence from exercises is dealt with by assigning a topic for a written presentation (usually selected papers from literature).

Aims

The course focuses on the explanation of the causes of machine-part failures, failure micromechanisms, methods of macrofractographic and microfractographic studies, classification and description of fracture appearance with the aim of making students familiar with the potentials of applying fractography to the solution of practical production problems, breakdowns and their causes, optimisation of materials selection, etc.
The knowledge of failure micromechanisms and methods of studying them. Understanding the relations between the properties of materials, the causes of their failures, and ways of preventing failures. The application of fractography as an important tool in solving production problems and breakdowns.

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Failure Analysis and Prevention, ASM Handbook, Vol. 11, ASM International, 2002, 1050 s., ISBN: 0-87170-704-7 (EN)
Fatigue and Fracture, ASM Handbook, Vol. 19, ASM International, 1996, 1057 s., ISBN: 0-87170-385-9 (EN)
Fractography, ASM Handbook, Vol. 12, ASM International, 1987, 517 s., ISBN: 978-0-87170-018-6 (EN)

Recommended reading

Koutský J., Jandoš F., Karel V.: Fractures in steel parts (in Czech) (CS)
Mechanical Testing and Evaluation, ASM Handbook, Vol. 8, ASM International, 2000, 998 s., 978-0-87170-389-7 (EN)
Metallography and Microstructures, ASM Handbook, Vol. 9, ASM International, 1996, 1184 s., ISBN: 978-0-87170-706-2 (EN)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme N-MTI-P Master's 2 year of study, winter semester, compulsory

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Libor Pantělejev, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Fracture causes and results.
2. Methods of fractographic analysis.
3. Methods of fractographic analysis.
4. Systematisation of fractographic concepts and failure micromechanisms.
5. Systematisation of fractographic concepts and failure micromechanisms.
6. Transcrystalline fractures.
7. Intercrystalline fractures.
8. Fatigue fractures.
9. Creep fractures.
10. Corrosion under stress.
11. Special cases of fractures.
12. Special cases of fractures.
13. Methodology for solving the causes of fractures during operation.

Laboratory exercise

13 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

doc. Ing. Libor Pantělejev, Ph.D.

Syllabus

1. Preparation of fracture surfaces for examination by REM and TEM.
2. TEM - Analysing the replicas from preceding exercises.
3-4. Illustration of fracture surfaces on REM.
5. Writing a test on failure micromechanisms.
6. Examples of fractures occurring during operation, and their examination.
7. Course-unit credit.