Cranfield University

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• Welding Engineering
• Short courses/CPD

The aim of this module is to enable the student to understand the structure and properties of materials, to understand how fabrication processes such as welding affect structure and properties, and to apply this knowledge to the use of materials used in welding.

This course assumes little or no prior knowledge of materials.

Course description

• introduction to materials: atomic structure, crystal structure, imperfections, diffusion, mechanical properties, dislocations and strengthening mechanisms, phase diagrams, phase transformations, solidification, corrosion
• introduction to materials in offshore structures: to materials usage in offshore engineering in fixed and floating structures, jack-ups, pipelines, and in topside and process equipment
• structural steels  - C-Mn ferrite-pearlite structural steels, specifications and influence of composition, heat treatment and microstructure on mechanical properties.  Fracture, weldability and the influence of welding on mechanical properties
• pipeline steels - effect of processing grain refinement, thermomechanical treatment and accelerated cooled steels (TMCP) - effect of composition, inclusions, grain size and production route on mechanical properties
• corrosion resistant materials - stainless steels - austenitic, ferritic, martensitic and duplex stainless steels - compositions, microstructures and properties.
• weld metal and heat affected zones – the effect of the heat input on the thermal profile, and its subsequent effect on the microstructure of both the weld metal and heat affected zones.
• weld cracking – hydrogen, solidification, reheat cracking and lamellar tearing – causes and remedies.
• non-metallic materials - polymers and composites
• offshore failures - case studies.

On successful completion of this module the delegate will be able to:

1. Understanding the basic principles of material structures on a micro and macro scale, and be able to relate microstructure to mechanical performance
2. Have a broad knowledge of how the chemical composition, microstructure and processing route for steels and non-ferrous alloys influence the resulting mechanical properties
3. Be able to relate fracture, corrosion and welding behaviour to particular alloy specifications.
4. Understand the basis of selection of specific materials (steels, stainless steels, polymers, composites, and corrosion resistant alloys) for different applications offshore.
5. Know how to apply design codes, and their relevance to specification of materials in offshore applications.
6. Have knowledge of the specifications, composition, structure and properties of the various steels and non-ferrous alloy