University of Maribor

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Metallographic preparation and analysis


Short course description

Short course description

Content of the short-term learning experience

Fractures of machinery parts, structures and installations are events that can cause significant damage to property and loss of life. It is therefore essential to know the causes of the fracture. One of the most effective tools in identifying fractures is fractographic analysis, which allows the identification of the causes of fracture as well as the prediction of the behaviour of materials in practice based on the analysis of the fracture of test specimens in standard mechanical tests.

The lectures will present the influence of the stress state and mechanical behaviour of materials on fracture under static, dynamic and impact loading. The structure of materials and its influence on the initiation and progression of cracks under different stress and strain conditions will be presented. In the practical part, attention will be paid to the correct collection and storage of fractures and to the analysis of fractures in the macro- and micro-range using different light and electron microscopes.

 

Coordinator of the short-term learning experience

Coordinator of the short-term learning experience

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tonica Bončina

The lecturer, doc. dr Tonica Bončina, Senior Research Fellow, has more than thirty years of experience in the field of research on metals and other materials. She is a specialist in metallography and light and electron scanning microscopy. She holds the professional title of Habilitation Specialist, the scientific title of Senior Research Fellow, and the teaching title of Assistant Professor in the field of Materials.  She is a lecturer in the Doctoral School of Mechanical Engineering in course Materialography.

Other instructors

Other instructors

Prof. Dr. Franc Zupanič

Prof. Dr. Franc Zupanič studies the technologies of synthesis, processing, treatment and joining of various alloys, with the focus of his research being on the relationship between the manufacturing parameters, the resulting microstructure and the final properties.

The development and characterisation of new aluminium alloys is a priority area of research. The focus is on high-strength aluminium alloys based on Al-Mg-Si and patented heat-resistant aluminium alloys hardened by crystalline and quasicrystalline precipitates.

In the above research, it uses light and electron microscopy, microchemical analysis, X-ray phase analysis and atomic tomography in the metallographic characterisation of the alloys, as well as various types of mechanical tests, such as tensile and impact tests, permanent dynamic strength and creep tests, and hardness measurements.

 

Objectives and competences

Objectives and competences

The aim of the training is to provide participants with the basic knowledge of fracture of materials necessary for fracture analysis, which can be used to identify the causes of fractures. This is fundamental knowledge that they use to improve the design, manufacture and use of materials.

Competences:
Upon completion of the training, the participant will be able to:

  • correctly take a sample, clean it and store it for examination.
  • identify the basic characteristics of a fracture by basic inspection
  • plan the appropriate steps of fractographic analysis
  • identify the types of fracture on the macro- and micro-level
  • use light and electron microscopy techniques to obtain micrographs of fractures
  • identify the type of fracture on the basis of a comprehensive analysis

Prerequisites for enrolling

Prerequisites for enrolling

/

Preliminary agenda

Preliminary agenda

Date                                                                  Time                                                   Activity                                                                                                                                     

20. 8. 2024

(FS, B-013 laboratory) 

09:00-14:00

 
  • Safe work in the Metallography Laboratory,
  • Standard protocol for metallographic preparation,
  • Research planning,
  • Practical work with the metallographic sample preparation by grinding, polishing and etching.
 

22. 8. 2024

(FS, B-013 laboratory)

09:00-14:00

 
  • Analysis of samples by light microscopy and electron scanning microscopy,
  • Qualitative and quantitative processing of results,
  • Archiving of results and samples,
  • Instructions for the preparation of the metallographic analysis report.
 

27. 8. 2024

(FS, B-013 laboratory)

09:00–14:00

 
  • The basics of hardness measurement.
  • Preparation of samples for hardness and micro-hardness measurements.
  • Performing measurements and processing results in conjunction with microstructural analysis.
 

29. 8. 2024

(online)

14:00-17:00  
  • Each participant presents a report,
  • Discussion
 

Course date

20. - 29. 8. 2024

VERSED: 29. 5., 30. 5., 6. 6. 2024


Apply

ENROLL NOW

More content information: tonica.boncina@um.si


Certificate

CONFIRMATION OF PARTICIPATION


Participation fees

FREE OF CHARGE
until 30. 9. 2025

Learning environment

COMBINED

Language

SLOVENE

Available number of participants

MAX 6

Duration

21 HOURS