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 electron microscopy through the UQ’s Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis
- Particulate, polymeric and inorganic materials characterisation
- Asbestos and flammable building cladding identification
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
- 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
- Accelerated wear, weathering and degradation experiments
In addition we have access to UQ’s world-class facilities to meet project requirements.