Oil and gas pipelines around the world are ageing, and one of the effects of ageing is the occurrence and growth of defects such as corrosion and cracks. These defects can be assessed using ‘fracture mechanics’ methods: indeed, new (2020) federal regulations in the USA require pipeline operators to assess the significance of cracks in their pipelines using fracture mechanics. Few pipeline engineering staff are even familiar with fracture mechanics, and there is a need to give all pipeline integrity staff a through grounding and understanding of fracture mechanics. A fracture mechanics learning program has been developed to help staff gain this understanding. It is emphasised that this is not a simple training course – it is a learning program which starts with the basics and history of fracture mechanics, and takes the individual through the many aspects of the fracture and fatigue assessment of defects in pipelines.
Available 24/7
Estimated 3 - 4 months
Blended learning
Foundation level
Satisfies the requirement for Fracture Mechanics CS032F
Certificate of completion, plus
Continued Professional Development hours
The learning program is aimed at pipeline integrity engineers who are involved with the inspection, assessment, or repair of pipeline defects.
The program is online, on-demand course that is designed to be completed within 3 - 4 months, however you will have access for 12 months from purchase date. The learning will include:
When you successfully complete this program will be able to explain the history of fracture mechanics, its principles, models (elastic, elastic-plastic, and plastic), defining the best assessment methods using fracture mechanics, and define and distinguish between the traditional approach to fatigue assessment, and the fracture mechanics approach to fatigue assessment. You will also be able to define and describe fracture and fatigue analyses, and produce predictions, under supervision. What's next once you've completed the course? Head to CERTivation!
Dr. Phil Hopkins, an independent consultant based in the UK, developed all content for this program. Dr Hopkins has held a number of senior management and executive positions in the oil and gas business, and combines this high level management expertise with over 35 years engineering experience in transmission pipelines, including work on pipeline engineering, damage, safety, risk, integrity, surveillance, inspection and maintenance, and repair.