After successful completion of the course, students are able to handle cases of material failure in a proper way, classify them according to the fundamental mechanisms and define the probable causes for the failure.

Basic understanding of materials is the prerequisite for application of materials and to calculate its reliability. Two areas in the materials can be distinguished where the failing starts: 1. The volume: In this case mechanical (inauspicious stress distribution, overload, vibrations ) or thermal (overheating, phase transformations, chemical reactions ) reasons can cause the failing. The damage results in fatigue processes, crack initiation and crack growth. 2. Surface mechanism: Mechanically caused mechanisms are wear, erosion and cavitation. Chemically caused damages are corrosion mechanisms in all variations. The basic knowledge for the different reasons of failing and the testing methods will be discussed. For selected cases of damage the various test methods will be demonstrated.

Presentation of the contents by ppt, the files being available to the students in TUWEL (TISS). Free questioning by the students as well as questions to the auditorium by the lecturers. Presentation of representative samples

Oral examination at flexible dates and times agreed between students and examiners