Institution news
Marcus discusses his role and involvement with regards to the seminar topic, industry challenges, what he is looking forward to at the event and why it is important for engineers to attend.
Q: Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience working with Structural Integrity Codes for Novel Materials and Structures?
Marcus Pottinger (MP): I am a Principal Mechanical Engineer at Leonardo UK, in the Integrated Sensors and Protection line of business. I work on design solutions from concept phase through to delivery based on customer-driven requirements specifications – usually presented as varying severities of well-understood environmental standards. I work closely with the Design and Analysis teams to generate evidence for our Design Integrity team to certify equipment for use. These solutions increasingly involve additive layer manufactured parts in a variety of materials.
Q: What is the number one challenge facing engineers working with Structural Integrity Codes for Novel Materials and Structures?
MP: In my experience, the challenge of novel materials and structures is primarily focused around certification evidence. Traditional certification methods of machined parts relies on historic material characterisation evidence – we know exactly how the material will behave under stress and importantly, over time. Additive layer manufacturing has become a serious contender versus conventional manufacturing techniques in recent years but lacks this historic evidence. As a result, much more due diligence is required to assess both the material and design for suitability in a system.
Q: Where do you see there being significant developments in Structural Integrity Codes for Novel Materials and Structures over the next five years?
MP: Focusing specifically on additive layer manufacturing, I would expect the national and international standards organisations (ISO and ASTM) to start taking a leading role in defining material characteristics for ALM materials, similarly to current stock material – i.e. BS EN 485 for Aluminium / Aluminium Alloy, with specific consideration for manufacturing methods. I am also expecting to see a large body of research work published into material property prediction and analysis of internal lattice structures, with a particular focus on integration to current FEA packages and fatigue life tools.
Q: What can engineers expect from your presentation at the event?
MP: My presentation aims to give an understanding of the process of design certification within the defence industry, with a specific focus on additive layer manufactured parts as key structural members in new designs. I will detail some of the work completed to date at Leonardo and share my thoughts on where the next great hurdles lie over the next few years to increase the uptake of additive layer manufacturing in the defence industry.
Q: What are you most looking forward to by attending and presenting at this event?
MP: Discussing topical issues with peers in similar and dissimilar industries. I have benefitted from discussions with other engineers at previous events and am hoping that my presentation will spark similar debate!
Q: Why is it important for engineers to join this event?
AB: IMechE events promote collaboration and networking in areas not usually accessible in working life and give a chance for fresh perspectives to be expressed on wide-reaching challenges. These events give all attendees and presenters a much wider understanding of contemporary issues in engineering, allowing for more effective problem solving!
The Structural Integrity Codes for Novel Structures and Materials seminar will be taking place on 22 February 2023 at One Birdcage Walk, London.
To book your place, please visit the event website.