Materials Selection and Failure Analysis

Upcoming Sessions

Classroom sessions
Online sessions

Course Introduction

Mechanical equipment and systems frequently operate under demanding service conditions, including exposure to corrosive, hazardous, or even lethal substances. Many systems function at elevated temperatures and pressures, where degradation mechanisms can progressively weaken materials over time. If such deterioration is not identified, evaluated, and managed at the right stage, it can lead to severe equipment failure, resulting in major safety incidents, operational disruption, and significant loss of assets.

To mitigate these risks, degradation mechanisms such as fracture, corrosion, erosion, fatigue, and creep must be carefully considered during the design and operational phases. This is achieved through appropriate materials selection, corrosion allowances, protective control measures, and engineering safeguards that ensure equipment remains within its design limits. In some cases, repair, modification, or complete replacement of equipment may be required to maintain integrity and reliability throughout its service life.

This Materials Selection and Failure Analysis Training Course emphasizes the importance of systematic inspection and assessment of mechanical equipment. Participants will gain insight into detecting damage, characterizing its severity, and evaluating its impact on equipment integrity, including the application of Fitness-for-Service assessments. The course also explores methods for restoring and maintaining systems in a serviceable condition through inspection, servicing, repair, and condition verification.

A core objective of this Failure Analysis Training Course is to build a clear understanding of material behavior, damage mechanisms, and preventive strategies. By linking materials selection principles with real-world failure modes, participants will be better equipped to enhance equipment availability, extend service life, and maintain safe and reliable operations.

This COPEX Materials Selection and Failure Analysis Training Course will feature:

  • Study of mechanical faults affecting industrial equipment
  • Failure modes such as fracture, fatigue, corrosion, and high-temperature creep
  • Materials types and selection for various operating environments
  • Condition monitoring, trending, and performance evaluation
  • Overview of non-destructive testing and fault-finding techniques

Objectives

This Materials Selection and Failure Analysis Training Course is designed to systematically develop participants’ ability to analyze mechanical equipment behavior and apply effective fault-finding and maintenance strategies.

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and explain the main failure mechanisms affecting mechanical equipment
  • Understand different material types and apply sound materials selection principles
  • Improve equipment performance and reliability through informed inspection and maintenance practices
  • Reduce breakdowns by minimizing the frequency and severity of equipment interruptions
  • Extend the useful life of mechanical systems while reducing production losses
  • Enhance system reliability and operational continuity
  • Maintain safe operating conditions and reduce potential safety hazards associated with equipment failure

Training Methodology

This training course uses a structured and practical learning approach based on proven adult learning principles. The content is delivered through a balanced combination of formal lectures, interactive discussions, and real-world case studies that demonstrate how materials selection and failure analysis concepts are applied in operational environments.

Participants will engage in worked examples and practical exercises designed to reinforce key learning points. These activities encourage critical thinking and enable participants to relate theoretical concepts to real mechanical systems and equipment. Throughout the course, ample opportunities are provided for discussion, experience sharing, and clarification of practical challenges encountered in materials degradation, inspection, and failure prevention.

Who Should Attend?

This Materials Selection and Failure Analysis Training Course is intended for professionals who are involved in the operation, inspection, maintenance, or design of mechanical equipment and systems. It is particularly valuable for those seeking a deeper understanding of failure modes, materials behavior, and fault-finding techniques used in industrial environments.

This training course will benefit:

  • General engineers involved in mechanical systems
  • Plant engineers responsible for equipment integrity
  • Maintenance personnel and maintenance supervisors
  • Technicians supporting inspection and condition monitoring activities
  • Other technical professionals working with mechanical equipment

The course is also beneficial for senior engineering and management professionals who wish to refresh or expand their knowledge of mechanical equipment damage, failure analysis methods, and maintenance strategies.

Course Outline

Day 1: Mechanical Testing and Damage Mechanisms

  • Tensile, stress, strain, ductility
  • Brittle, Ductile Fracture
  • Impact, Toughness
  • Low temperature consideration
  • Design Examples

Day 2: Materials Selection

  • Crystalline structure of metals
  • Types of steel
  • Stainless steels
  • Cast Irons
  • Nickel based alloys
  • Selection of metals for different applications

Failure Modes of Mechanical Equipment

  • Fracture Mechanics
  • Fatigue failure
  • Creep, high temperature failure
  • Corrosion types
  • Corrosion control

Day 3: Condition Monitoring and Trending

  • Condition monitoring
  • Vibration measurements and analysis
  • Fault types and recognition
  • Condition Trending

Day 4: Non-Destructive Inspection Techniques

  • Boroscope
  • Dye penetrant
  • Magnetic methods
  • X-ray methods
  • Gama - ray methods
  • Ultra-sonic methods
  • Eddy current testing

Day 5: Fault Finding and Inspection

  • Root Cause Analysis
  • HAZOP Analysis
  • Fault tree analysis
  • Fishbone Diagram
  • Pareto Analysis
  • Types of maintenance
  • Inspection codes

Providers and Associations

Anderson
Aztech Training
Coventry

Certificate

  • Copex Certificate of Attendance will be provided to delegates who attend and complete the course.

Material published by Copex shown here is copyrighted. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized copying, distribution, use, dissemination, downloading, storing (in any medium), transmission, reproduction or reliance in whole or any part of this course outline is prohibited and will constitute an infringement of copyright.

Whats Makes Copex Courses Unique?

COPEX Training is your gateway to professional growth, with over 20 years of experience turning potential into success. Each year, we deliver over 1,000 courses in 50+ countries, earning a stellar 98% satisfaction rate. Trusted by global giants like BP, the United Nations, and HSBC, we partner with top certification bodies to provide career-focused training that empowers individuals and drives organizational breakthroughs. Our mission? To transform the way professionals learn and grow in today’s fast-changing industries. Through expert insights, cutting-edge methods, and hands-on approaches, we equip you with the skills and confidence to tackle challenges, seize opportunities, and thrive in your career.

Led by a passionate leadership team and supported by a network of world-class trainers, COPEX Training connects professionals worldwide with life-changing opportunities. We are committed to excellence, ensuring every participant leaves with the tools, expertise, and confidence to conquer an ever-evolving world.

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section provides quick answers to the most common questions about our services, procedures, and policies. We aim to make your experience with us as straightforward as possible. For further assistance, our support team is ready to help.

Yes, and we'd love to make that happen. COPEX  specialises in fully customised in-house training, adapting course content to align with your organisation's unique goals, culture, and industry demands. Get in touch with us directly and we'll craft the right solution for your team.

Yes, the choice is yours. The Materials Selection and Failure Analysis Training Course  runs in a traditional classroom setting across various international locations, and it's also available as a live online programme for those who prefer to learn from wherever they are. Pick the format that fits your lifestyle and schedule best.

Not at all. The Materials Selection and Failure Analysis Training Course doors are open to everyone, regardless of your background or how many years you've been in the industry. That said, having some familiarity with the subject area can help you get even more out of the experience.

Our team is available around the clock — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — ready to answer any question you have. Whether you need help choosing the right course, completing your registration, or sorting out logistics, we're here for you.

Expect an engaging, hands-on journey — not a room full of slides and passive listening. COPEX’s delivery blends presentations with group discussions, real-world case studies, practical exercises, and collaborative workshops. The goal is simple: everything you learn, you can use immediately back at work.

You'll be in good hands. COPEX hosts its courses in premium 4-star and 5-star hotels, with professional, fully equipped training spaces designed for focus and comfort. Throughout each day, you'll enjoy refreshment breaks with coffee and snacks, plus a complimentary lunch following every session.

This Materials Selection and Failure Analysis Training Course welcomes professionals from all walks of corporate life — whether you're a seasoned manager, an emerging team leader, a subject-matter specialist, or simply someone driven to grow in their field. If you're serious about advancing your career and deepening your expertise, this course was built with you in mind.

Absolutely. Every participant who successfully completes the Materials Selection and Failure Analysis Training Course earns an COPEX Certificate of Completion — a recognised mark of professional achievement. Depending on the specific course, it may also qualify for Training credits, which will be clearly noted in the course details.

Enquiry

We can customize this training course for you!

At Copex Training, we offer customizable courses designed to fit your specific needs. whether it's refining procurement practices or enhancing leadership and management skills, we tailor our programs to meet your unique goals and challenges. Let us create a training solution that delivers real results for your team.

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