Degradation processes and lifetime prediction of structural materials

The course is directed on degradation processes evaluation in structural materials. Namely analyses of microstructural conditions of brittle and ductile fracture, fatigue damage, creep, corrosion damage, stress corrosion cracking and fundamental mechanisms of wear in functional surfaces are included into course. These analyses continue by explanation how temperature, way of loading and environmental parameters affect origin of limited stage finalized by fracture and by loss of the basic function of material, it is transfer of stress-strain field.
These methods are applied on metals, ceramics, polymers, and on basic structures of composites. Special attention is dedicated to the effects of size and shape of structural part on origin of limited stage and to methods of resistance evaluation of structural parts influenced by negative effects of degradation processes. The logical closure of the course is the presentation of structure safety estimation in the phase of design, and under operational decision in technical practice.