Research summary
Many devices we depend on everyday can fail when the metals in critical components become fatigued. This can lead to significant material damage and even loss of life—such as when a plane’s engine fails. Such events may happen when we are not able to accurately predict the safe life span of mechanical components that are subject to repeated use.
Dr. Myriam Brochu, Canada Research Chair in Fatigue Damage of Advanced Metallic Materials, is trying to fill this knowledge gap. She and her research team are quantifying the relationships between fatigue properties, surface integrity and service environments. Ultimately, their work will support applications in transportation (aircrafts and bridges), biomedicine (implants) and energy production (hydroelectric infrastructures).