The main sections of the museum are listed below;

Tools of the trade, some ways to investigate problems;
Photoelasticity
Dye penetrant testing

Glossary
of materials engineering terms

Manufacturing faults II

Click on pictures below for full size image in new window
Click on green text for explanation of term

This extruded section cycle rim contains an extrusion defect that creates a plane of weakness. When the wheel was being rebuilt with new spokes the increased tension ruptured the rim.

These injection moulded safety spectacles contain residual moulding stresses shown here using photoelastic viewing techniques.

This cast copper alloy horse 'bit' fractured during a race and unseated the jockey who sustained severe injuries.

The fracture was associated with excessive porosity levels in this cast component.

This die-cast aluminium horse racing stirrup fractured when the leather strap pulled away and injured the jockey. The final fracture is shown in more detail here.

17/12/01 ed:AG