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The Open University

Introduction to structural integrity

The Open University via OpenLearn

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Overview

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This course aims to teach students about engineering for safe design, component failure, and environmental deterioration. By the end of the course, learners will be able to identify corrosion processes, understand stress corrosion cracking, and analyze case studies like the Silver Bridge disaster. The teaching method includes lectures, case studies, and simulated environmental tests. This course is intended for individuals interested in structural integrity, engineering, or materials science.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Engineering for purpose
  • 1 Engineering for purpose
  • 1.1 Safe design
  • 1.2 Component failure
  • 1.3 Environmental factors
  • 2 Environmental deterioration
  • 2 Environmental deterioration
  • 2.1 Introduction
  • 2.2 Degradation, dissolution and corrosion
  • 2.3 Corrosion processes
  • 2.4 Corrosion processes: galvanic corrosion
  • 2.5 Corrosion processes: galvanic series
  • 2.6 Corrosion in stressed products – stress corrosion cracking (SCC)
  • 2.6.1 Stress corrosion cracking in stainless-steel structures
  • 2.6.2 Cracking of copper alloys
  • 2.6.3 Boiler explosions
  • 3 Case study: The Silver Bridge
  • 3 Case study: The Silver Bridge
  • 3.1 Background information
  • 3.2 The disaster
  • 3.3 The investigation
  • 3.3.1 Sequence of events
  • 3.3.2 Planning the investigation
  • 3.3.3 Reassembling the parts
  • 3.3.4 Examining the parts
  • 3.4 Analysis of eye bar 330
  • 3.4.1 Fracture surface
  • 3.4.2 Analysis of the eye-bar steel
  • 3.4.3 Simulated environmental tests
  • 3.4.4 Stress concentration at joint
  • 3.4.5 Fretting fatigue
  • 3.4.6 Residual stress
  • 3.5 Design of the bridge
  • 3.6 Failure sequence
  • 3.7 Aftermath
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements

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Reviews

4.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

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  • Gita Indah Pratiwi
    The Introduction to Structural Integrity course from The Open University via OpenLearn provides a clear foundational understanding of how and why engineering structures fail, as well as how such failures can be prevented. The material is concise yet comprehensive, covering key concepts such as stress, strain, material fatigue, and fracture mechanics with clear explanations and real-world examples from civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering. Although the course is relatively short and some topics could benefit from deeper exploration, it serves as an excellent introduction for students or professionals seeking to strengthen their fundamental knowledge of structural integrity.
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