Materials and Reliability unit (ENG218)

Hobart

Introduction

The Materials section of Materials and Reliability introduces students to the fundamental methods used to analyse static and fatigue failure in ductile and brittle metals, with the aim of informing the selection of suitable materials for engineering design. The section explores stress, strain, and their interdependencies when determining principal stresses and principal strains; key static failure theories; Marin correction factors for fatigue analysis; the assessment of alternating and non-zero mean stress states using key fatigue failure theories; and the extension of fatigue failure theories to multiaxial loading, varying phase and frequency loading, and cumulative damage.

The Reliability section of Materials and Reliability introduces students to the statistical tools used to analyse the condition of components and systems over their lifecycle. A substantial statistical foundation is established in this section, from which system reliability and maintainability may be carefully and accurately assessed. This section provides comprehensive coverage of data handling, the treatment of measurement uncertainties, and probability concepts and distributions, enabling reliability prediction and modelling, as well as the sustainable operation of systems within uncertain environments.

The unit integrates several practical activities that enable students to apply their developing knowledge of materials and reliability engineering. Practical work includes the use of strain gauges to assess static failure in components, the interpretation of loading histories for fatigue analysis, and uncertainty analysis to quantify instrumentation accuracy. Emphasis is placed on component and system performance and on extending service life, thereby promoting sustainability and climate-responsible engineering practice.

Overall, this unit prepares students for Solid Mechanics by equipping them with essential tools for evaluating component and system performance under static and fatigue loading. The unit also introduces the probabilistic perspectives needed for reliable engineering design and covers the uncertainty analysis tools necessary to determine levels of accuracy in testing undertaken in subsequent units.
 

Summary

Unit name	Materials and Reliability
Unit code	ENG218
Credit points	12.5
College/School	Sciences and Engineering School of Engineering
Discipline	Engineering
Coordinator	Doctor Jason Ali-Lavroff
Available as an elective?	Yes
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Intermediate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 2

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 2	5/7/2026	27/7/2026	30/8/2026	24/10/2026

* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).

Unit census dates currently displaying for 2026 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2026 will be available from the 1st October 2025. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse static failure in ductile and brittle materials using static failure theories.
• Analyse fatigue failure using correction factors and fatigue failure theories.
• Analyse the reliability of engineering components and systems using statistical tools.
• Solve practical engineering problems relating to product performance, extending product life, and overall climate resilience by extending and employing the concepts of static failure theory, fatigue failure theory, and reliability.
• Assess operational data and uncertainties from sensors to monitor a condition or control a process.

Fee Information

Field of Education	Commencing Student Contribution 1,3	Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3	Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3	Domestic Full Fee 4
030701	$1,192.00	$1,192.00	not applicable	$3,401.00

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

¹ Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
² Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
³ Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
⁴ Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.

If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UniConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.

Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.

Teaching

Teaching Pattern	3x 1 hour lectures per week, 1x 1 hour tutorial per week, 3x 2 hour labs per semester.
Assessment	In Semester Test (10%)|Field Trip (15%)|Laboratory (35%)|Exam (40%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required readings will be listed in the unit outline prior to the start of classes.

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