Delivering value, meeting the unknown

Our services

The UQ Materials Performance team has a comprehensive investigative facility including the resources of a full scientific laboratory complemented by access to UQ’s world-class facilities such as the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis. The team provides independent scientific and engineering investigations and expert opinion in relation to the causes of failure of materials, components and structures. This includes failures occurring by fracture and fatigue, wear, corrosion and mixed modes, leading to death, injury or interruption to business operations.

Investigations are performed by a combination of metallurgical (notably microscopic) and mechanical (quantitative) methodologies. Site inspection at mines, construction sites, rail corridors, confined spaces, etc. can also be carried out as requested. We are also able to give evidence in court.

 

Our facilities

UQ Materials Performance’s specialist equipment and capabilities include:

  • Scanning and transmission electron microscopy through UQ’s Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis
  • High performance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using the Quest ATR Ge Crystal capable of 8300 to 30cm-1 spectral range
  • Particulate, polymeric and inorganic materials characterisation
  • Asbestos and flammable building cladding identification
  • Stereo and optical microscopy
  • X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
  • Ultrasonic, magnetic particle and dye-penetrant crack detection
  • Linear elastic and non-linear finite element analysis (FEA)
  • Universal load testing machines and hardness indenters
  • Multiaxis, large-scale load testing of structures through UQ's School of Civil Engineering, Structures Lab
  • Accelerated wear, weathering and degradation experiments
  • Raman spectroscopy through the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF)
  • Micro-CT x-ray tomography through UQ's Centre for Advanced Imaging

In addition, we have access to various other world-class facilities at UQ to meet project requirements.

 

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