Engineering - Metallurgy

Introduction

Metallurgy is a domain of engineering and materials science that studies the structural and chemical behaviour of metallic elements and their associated compounds and alloys. Metallurgy also covers the process by which metals are separated from their mined ores.

Metallurgy, in practical terms, concerns itself with the technological application of metals, i.e. the way in which science is applied to the production of metals, and the engineering of metal components for use in consumer, commercial, and industrial products. The science of metallurgy is usually subdivided into chemical metallurgy and physical metallurgy.

Metallurgy is subdivided into ferrous metallurgy (also known as black metallurgy) and non-ferrous metallurgy (also known as coloured metallurgy). Ferrous metallurgy involves processes and alloys based on iron while non-ferrous metallurgy involves processes and alloys based on other metals.

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Expertise in Action

Metallurgy can be an important part of forensic engineering and failure analysis - investigating machinery, components and structures to determine which metals fail or do not function as intended, resulting in personal injury or property damage.

Experts in this field may be asked to investigate and comment on the causes of metal fatigue, stress, fractures, softening, brittleness, cracking, rusting, and other failure in accidents involving:

• Aircraft, rail and transport vehicles
  
• Machinery, tools, equipment and their components
  
• Civil engineering buildings, bridges and structures
  

Metallurgists can work in mines, mineral processing plants, and government and commercial research laboratories. They normally work with other related professions: mining and construction engineers, geologists, mineralogists, technicians and tradespeople.

Sample Reports

For some fields of expertise we have some sample sections of de-identified reports. Please contact our office if you are interested in a sample.

Cost

The overall cost of expert opinion depends on the services required. Some of the key factors that affect the cost of advice include:

• The need for a view or inspection of a location
• The quantity of documentary material to be reviewed
• Whether there are reports of other experts to be reviewed and commented on in detail
• Whether there is a need for conferences with the expert either in person or by telephone/Skype

Relevant Articles The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) Code of Ethics

The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to ensure that all AusIMM members uphold and enhance the honesty, honour, integrity and dignity of their profession. The AusIMM expects and promotes the highest professional and ethical standards of its members across all areas of professional practice through a strong focus on professional ethics and best practice implementation of professional codes.

Developments in metallurgy

This article is a collection of thoughts from AusIMM professional societies and networks on how practices have developed over the past 125 years.

Relevant Cases WESTERN MINERALS TECHNOLOGY PTY LTD v WESTERN MINING CORPORATION LIMITED [2001] APO 32

Metallurgist experts were asked to give their opinion on the novelty of a patented new metallurgic process for sulphide minerals.

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