Structural integrity is the quiet cornerstone of every high-stakes engineering system, particularly in nuclear reactors and submarines, where failure is simply unacceptable. This in-depth online course provides a rare and focused exploration of structural integrity principles as they apply to two of the most demanding environments in modern engineering: pressurised water reactors (PWRs) and naval submarines.
Designed for curious STEM graduates, early-career professionals, and technical specialists seeking a structured refresher, the course goes well beyond textbook theory. It integrates classical mechanics with advanced analytical techniques, covering fatigue and fracture mechanics, Failure Assessment Diagrams (FADs), material behaviour, and degradation mechanisms, all grounded in real-world examples and case studies.
You will examine how submarines withstand repeated cycles of crushing pressure at depth, how reactor pressure vessels survive decades of thermal and neutron stress, and how engineers detect, manage, and mitigate structural degradation. The course also introduces practical non-destructive examination (NDE) methods, including ultrasonic phased array and acoustic emission monitoring, and explores the growing role of digital twins and predictive analytics in structural health management.
Whether you are preparing for a career in defence, civil nuclear engineering, regulatory oversight, or simply wish to understand how the most critical systems in engineering are kept safe and operational, this course offers both foundational understanding and practical insight. Complete it at your own pace and gain a deeper appreciation of how safety and structure are maintained at the extreme frontiers of human technology.