Engineering Failure Case Studies in Pressure Vessel Design
Credits: 5 PDH
PDH Course Description:
This course presents an in-depth exploration of engineering failure case studies related to pressure vessel design. It critically examines historical and contemporary incidents where design errors, material flaws, fabrication oversights, or operational mismanagement led to catastrophic vessel failures. Emphasis is placed on learning from forensic investigations, applying ASME BPVC standards, understanding failure mechanisms such as brittle fracture and fatigue, and implementing engineering best practices to prevent recurrence. Each chapter draws from real-world cases to reinforce safety-critical design, maintenance, and inspection principles.Topics:
- Identify common failure modes in pressure vessel systems and their root causes.
- Analyze engineering case studies using principles from material science, fracture mechanics, and structural design.
- Apply ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code provisions to failure prevention.
- Evaluate the role of inspection, testing, and fitness-for-service assessments in lifecycle integrity.
- Implement design and operational safeguards to prevent recurrence of similar failures.
To take this course:
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4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
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Intended Audience: This course is intended for mechanical, civil, construction, petroleum, environmental, and other engineering professional whose job description may require a general knowledge of failure mechanisms within pressure vessel design.
Publication Source: Cadistics Courseware
Donald Parnell, PE