Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Course Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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CAT 431 - Caterpillar Failure Analysis

Credits: 2
Lecture Hours: 1
Lab Hours: 2
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech
The student will determine the root cause of failure, how to properly prepare the parts for inspection and learn to determine what is normal and abnormal wear. Experienced individuals may contact the instructor to gain admittance to this course.
Prerequisite: DSL 366 , DSL 546 , DSL 606  
Competencies
  1. Demonstrate knowledge of metallugy on a written test
    1. Describe the basic process used to make pig iron
    2. Explain the difference between cast iron and steel
    3. Understand the metal structure of cast iron and steel
    4. Explain how alloy steel is made
    5. Understand the process used to forge metal
    6. Define what flow lines are.
    7. Explain the steps in heat treating process of metals and the benefits of
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of visual examination process on a written test.
    1. Explain why a background fact check is beneficial to proper diagnosis.
    2. Describe why it is important to identify all parts from a failed component.
    3. Explain why it is important to protect all parts from corrosion and further
    4. Understand the process to clean parts prior to inspection. damage
    5. Know how to interpret date codes found on parts
    6. Explain why it is important to record facts found
  3. Demonstrate knowledge of fractures to rotating shafts and gears on a written test.
    1. Understand metal strength vs. load
    2. Define fracture terminology
    3. Explain the difference between a ductile fracture and a brittle fracture.
    4. Know how to identify beach marks, ratchet marks, pitting, frosting and how each
    5. Explain the difference between fast fractures and slow fractures. effect shaft and gear life
    6. Inspect failed parts to determine cause of failure
    7. Explain stress raisers and their affect on rotating bending fatigue failures
    8. Inspect wear to gears and assess reusability
  4. Demonstrate knowledge wear that occurs to bearings on a written test.
    1. Identify wear conditions that can act on antifriction bearings and bearing inserts.
    2. Explain how to properly handle bearings prior to and during installation.
    3. Describe the correct procedure to clean bearings for reuse
    4. Explain why lubrication is important to extended life.
    5. Understand the functions that lubricants must perform while in use
    6. Know the difference between petroleum and synthetic base lubricants, the
  5. Demonstrate knowledge engine component wear on a written test. advantages of each, and the additives found in t
    1. Describe the affects of crown overheating to the piston
    2. Explain skirt overheating and the wear that occurs
    3. Know the conditions represented by foreign material being ingested into the
    4. Explain the signs present when workmanship is an issue cylinder
    5. Understand the stress areas on connecting rods and crankshafts.
    6. Explain the external forces that act on connecting rods and crankshafts.
    7. Describe the results of rebuild errors
    8. Describe the failures that can result from improper machining techniques
    9. Explain the internal forces the act on crankshafts and connecting rods.
    10. Understand the structure of a valve
    11. Know the environment a valve must operate in.
    12. Explain the result of valve operation in hostile conditions.
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of threaded fasteners on a written test.
    1. Demonstrate ability to identify grades of fasteners and loading strength of each.
    2. Explain the abnormal operation failures
    3. Describe how stress raisers are caused during the manufacturing of fasteners.
    4. Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot fastener failures.



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