Appendix A

LABORATORY GUIDE
The purpose of the laboratory sessions is to introduce you to some of the topics
presented in this module, including the techniques used to investigate material
properties and defects. Your objective is to design and conduct experiments to
investigate these properties and defects. The following section will outline the
different experiments that you have to complete and will help you to prepare for each
of them.
Learning outcome
Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and experiments.
Associated Assessment Criteria
Execute an acceptable process to design and conduct investigations and
experiments, including (but not restricted to):
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)

Plan and conduct investigations and experiments;

Conduct a literature search and critically evaluates material;
Perform the necessary analyses;
Select and use appropriate equipment and/or software;
Analyse, interpret and derive information from data;
Draw conclusions based on evidence;

g)

Communicate the purpose, process and outcomes in a technical report.

A.1. Introduction and general admin

The practical component of this course consists of the Charpy-impact test, the
Jominy end quench test and several non-destructive test methods. Each experiment
will be briefly discussed, but it is up to you to review the relevant theory before each
laboratory session and to submit a pre-report consisting of an introduction
highlighting the aim and objectives of the experiment and a literature review of the
experiment.
Laboratory sessions are scheduled for Thursday afternoons and will take place in the
Materials Lab at B1 LAB 208. Groups have been assigned on Edulink and although
the laboratory session will be conducted in groups, each student will submit an
individual report.
Please note that students must wear safety goggles, closed shoes and
a white lab coat to gain access to the laboratory.
Failure to attend and complete all three laboratory sessions will result
in immediate refusal to the final exam

A.1.1. Charpy impact tests

1

Appendix A
This is a comparative test used to determine how the mechanical properties of
materials change when subjected to impact loading at various temperatures.
Materials given:

EN-3 (~1015)

Aluminium

0.15% C

Recommended test temperatures

-50, -25, 0, 25 and 50 C
When compiling your report:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Show all results.

Determine the ductile to brittle transition temperature.
How does the carbon content affect the results and why?
Discuss the appearance of the fracture surface relative to the amounts of
fibrous and granular character.

5. Discuss the lateral deformation as a function of carbon content and

temperature.

A.1.2. Jominy end-quench test

This test gives an indication of the hardenability of metals and alloys.
Materials given:

EN-3 (~1015)
EN-8 (~1040)

0.15% C
0.4% C

EN-24 (~4340)

0.4% C, 1.8% Ni, 0.6% Cr en 0.25% Mo

When compiling your report:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Show all results.

Discuss the hardenability of the various alloys.
Discuss the effect of carbon on the hardenability.
Discuss the effect of the various alloy elements on the hardenability.
Discuss the connection between the cooling rate and the eventual
microstructure.

A.1.3. Non-destructive testing

NDT is used to find faults in and properties of materials without damaging the
components.
The following inspection methods will be dealt with in the practical session.

Dye penetrant
Magnetic particle inspection
Eddy current inspection
2

Appendix A

Ultrasonic inspection

When compiling your report:

1. Show all results.
2. Discuss the role of NDT. Where is it used?
3. Discuss the capabilities of the different NDT methods
4. Compare the different methods critically with one another

A.2. Pre- & Final Report

Each student is to hand in a pre- and final report on each of the experiments. The
pre-report is to be handed in on the day of the practical session and should consist of
a study of the relevant theory including an introduction highlighting the aim and
objectives of the experiment and a literature review of the experiment. The pre-report
may also then serve as the introduction and theoretical background of the final
report. This implies that you must attend the laboratory sessions prepared.
You will not be permitted to complete the laboratory session if you do
not hand in a pre-report.
Use the following guidelines when compiling your report:
Title Page
Surname & Initials
Student number
Group number
Title of practical
Abstract/Summary
An abstract is a concise paragraph that opens the document. The abstract should
give a clear indication of the objective, scope, and results reported in the final
document so that reader can determine whether the research is of interest. Give a
brief description of the experiment and report on the most important results.
Table of content
1. Introduction
Theoretical background and motivation
Hypothesis, aim and objectives of the experiment
Is the problem that led to the research well defined and motivated?
Is the problem addressed in a structured manner?
2. Literature review
Relevant theory systematically presented
Was an adequate amount of literature studied in a scientific way?
Is a good overview on the current state of knowledge given?
3. Experimental Setup
Samples, apparatus and procedures followed
3

Appendix A
Experimental matrix
Is the experimental setup appropriate and does it address the problem
statement?
Are the choices made, motivated and correct?
Does the theory support the experimental work?
Were the current knowledge and techniques applied correctly?
Were the data collected appropriate and did it comply with the objectives set
out in the problem statement?
4. Discussion and interpretation of results
Present, discuss and compare all results
Does the theory support the results?
Were the data presented and interpreted correctly?
Were problems pointed out and corrective action recommended?
5. Conclusion
Draw conclusions from your discussions
Were adequate conclusions drawn and described?
Were conclusions substantiated by the results
Do the conclusions address the problem identified and the aim of the project?
Were recommendations made?
Were the recommendations based on the conclusions?
References
List the references that are referred to in the text. Use IEEE reference style
Appropriate reference style applied correctly
References cited in text
List of references
Figures and tables integrated into the report
Appendixes
Include anything that you do not want to incorporate in the main body of the report.
Refer in the body of the report to appendixes.
Report quality
Introductions, headings, logical layout and conclusions
Spelling, punctuation, sentence construction, vocabulary and cohesion
Figures and tables integrated into the text
Descriptive captions
No evidence of plagiarism or inappropriate copying of text
Appropriate use of appendices

A.3. Assessment form

Use the assessment form on page Error: Reference source not found as a guideline
when compiling your reports.

Appendix A
MTK3A11 Laboratory Reports -Assessment Rubric
Criteria
Not Achieved
Partially
Generally
achieved
achieved
Introduction Very
poor
Weak introduction Partially effective,
language errors, Syntax errors, language and logic
difficult to read, formulation
and needs revision
ineffective,
or structure
Aim / Problem
inappropriate
Aim / Problem statement
and
Aim / Problem statement
and objectives partially
statement
and objectives
not effective, language
objectives
not clearly
stated, and logic needs
stated, ineffective, illogical approach revision
or inappropriate
to the problem.

Achieved
Clear,
effective
and logical.
Aim / Problem
statement
and
objectives
well
structured, clear
and effective

[7 to 8]
[0]

[4 to 6]
[1 to 3]

Literature
reviewed

Experimen
tal Setup

Literature
inappropriate.
Insufficient amount
of
literature
reviewed.
Presented illogical
and unstructured.
Language errors,
difficult to read.
[0]
Not presented

Achieved with
distinction
Excellent, scientific
and
logical
approach
to
introduce/identify
the problem. It
creates
an
expectation,
motivation
for
study clearly set
out.
Aim and objectives
of the practical
clearly set out,
scientific
and
logical approach to
solve the problem.

Insufficient amount
of
literature
reviewed.
Presented illogical
and unstructured.
Syntax errors.

Sufficient amount
of
literature
reviewed. Partially
effective, language
and logic needs
revision.

Clear,
effective
and
logical.
Relevant theory
presented. Well
structured, good
technical writing
skills displayed

[9 to 10]
Excellent, a good
overview on the
current state of
knowledge given.
Well written and
logically
presented.

[1 to 3]

[4 to 6]

[7 to 8]

[9 to 10]

Presented illogical
and unstructured..
Difficult to follow.
Syntax errors

Sampling,
apparatus
and
procedure
presented.
Language
and
logic
needs
revision.

Clear,
effective
and logical. Easy
to follow.

Excellent, scientific
and
logical
approach.
Technical writing
skills
above
average.

[0]
[1 to 3]

[7 to 8]

[9 to 10]
Results

[4 to 6]
Partially effective
interpretation and
discussion
of
results. Language,
structure and logic
needs revision.

Interpretation and
discussion
of
results insufficient,
inappropriate
&
illogical. Language
& syntax errors,
difficult to read.

Interpretation and
discussion
of
results insufficient,
inappropriate
&
illogical. Language
& syntax errors,
difficult to read.

[0]

[1 to 3]

Relevant
data
presented. Logical
discussion
and
interpretation of
results.
Clear,
effective
and
logical.
Well
structured, good
technical writing
skills displayed.

Very
poor

language errors,
difficult to read,
ineffective,
or
inappropriate

Weak conclusion
Syntax
errors,
formulation
and
structure.

[7 to 8]
Clear,
effective
and logical. Good
language
skills
displayed

[0]

[1]

[4 to 6]

Excellent.
Links/connection
with
theory
reviewed.
Well
written
and
logically
presented.

[9 to 10]
Conclusion
and
recommen
dations

Partially effective,
language and logic
needs revision

[2 to 3]
[4 to 5]

Excellent, scientific
and
logical
approach
to
address
the
problem as stated.
Refer to data and
theory presented.
Weighing results
and
logical
arguments
presented.

Appendix A

Reference
s

No
references
cited
No list of reference

Some references
cited, referencing
style
partially
effective

[0]

References cited, referencing style and

format effective

[6 to 7]
Correct
and
effective use of
references

[2]

[3]

[1]
Final grade [50]

Appendix A

A.4. Laboratory schedule

All experiments will be conducted in groups of 5-6 students as scheduled on Edulink.
Laboratory sessions will be carried out on the dates indicated below. If you cannot
attend a laboratory session, a request should be submitted in writing (including a
letter from your GP and/or relevant documentation supporting your request) to
nickeyjvr@uj.ac.za. If permission is granted, the practical may then be completed on
3 May 2012 at 13h00.
Practical sessions
B1 LAB 208 at 13h00 16h15

Group 1 A&B

Group 4 A&B

01-Mar

Jominy

8-Mar

Charpy

15- Mar

NDT

12-Apr

Jominy

19-Apr

Charpy

26-Apr

NDT

Group 2 A&B

Group 5 A&B

01-Mar

NDT

8-Mar

Jominy

15- Mar

Charpy

12-Apr

NDT

19-Apr

Jominy

26-Apr

Charpy

Group 3 A&B

Group 6 A&B

01-Mar

Charpy

8-Mar

NDT

15- Mar

Jominy

12-Apr

Charpy

19-Apr

NDT

26-Apr

Jominy

Please note:

Appendix A
Group A is scheduled from 13h00 to 14h35 and Group B from 14h40 to 16h15,
except for the Jominy end quench experiment which both groups will be attend from
13h00 to 16h15
Groups are scheduled on Edulink