Investigation of the mechanism and root cause of damage to plant & equipment constitutes the core of UQ Materials Performance’s services.  For this purpose we employ broad-based methodologies including fractography, microstructural examination, material property measurement, finite element stress analysis and other engineering design tools.

• Investigations for the following purposes:
  • Prevention of future financial loss including repair & replacement costs and lost production
  • Improved safety
  • Insurance claims and product liability
  • Criminal investigations, such as arson
• Experience with the following types of plant & equipment:
  • Mining and earth-moving equipment
  • Process plant – such as heat exchangers, tanks, piping, boilers and reaction vessels
  • Railway rolling stock and locomotive components
  • Hydraulic components – such as hydraulic motors, cylinders, actuators
  • Rotating equipment – such as turbines, pumps, electric motors
  • Automotive components and engines
  • Marine components – including engines, mechanical equipment, infrastructure
  • Lifting equipment – such as cranes, chains and wire ropes
• Experience with the following classes of materials:
  • Metals and alloys
  • Polymers, including elastomers
  • Ceramics
  • Fibre composites and particulate composites
• Assessment of:
  • Compliance with contract specifications, drawings, relevant industry standards
  • The role in failure played by stresses produced in the design under combined functional and environmental loading
  • Viability of component repair
  • Scope for improvement in materials selection and design for components experiencing recurring damage and/or failure
• Investigation tools and techniques include:
  • Non-destructive inspection
  • Optical microscopy, electron microscopy & micro-analysis, X-ray diffraction
  • Finite Element Modelling
  • NATA certified mechanical testing
  • Literature available in & through the University of Queensland library