Topic outline

  • The Broken Arrow Incident - Engineering Perspectives on Failure and Risk

    Credits: 2 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    This course examines the 1961 Broken Arrow incident at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, where a B-52 bomber experienced structural failure, leading to the accidental release of two nuclear weapons near Goldsboro, North Carolina. 

    The course provides an in-depth engineering analysis of the structural, material, and design failures that contributed to the event. It also explores risk mitigation, safety engineering principles, and lessons learned to prevent similar occurrences. Through this case study, engineers will gain insights into failure analysis, systems engineering, and the ethical implications of engineering in high-risk domains.

    Topics:

    Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

    • Understand the sequence of events leading to the Broken Arrow incident, focusing on engineering and design failures.
    • Analyze the structural integrity and failure points of the B-52 bomber involved in the incident.
    • Explore the role of safety systems in preventing catastrophic consequences during high-risk operations.
    • Learn principles of risk assessment and mitigation in complex engineering systems.
    • Discuss the ethical and societal responsibilities of engineers working in high-stakes environments.

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.

    Important – Payment is required prior to printing of your certificate of completion.

    We operate on a trust-based model. You are welcome to complete Steps 1 through 3 to fully review the course material at your leisure. 

    When you are ready to download and print your Certificate of Completion, we ask that payment has been completed for either the Unlimited Plan or individual PDH credit(s). Clicking the download button below serves as your digital confirmation that payment has been made.

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    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for aerospace, mechanical, structural, and systems engineers, as well as professionals in risk management and safety engineering. 
    Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware

    Jeelan Moghraby, PhD

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