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| Module Availability |
| Short course |
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| Assessment Pattern |
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Components of Assessment
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Method(s)
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Weighting
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Continuous assessment
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Post-short course assessment package
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100%
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| Module Overview |
| The course covers the essential concepts and practices of Composite Materials. All topics are introduced from first principles and the emphasis is on developing a critical understanding of concepts rather than a detailed review of current practice. |
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| Prerequisites/Co-requisites |
| None |
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| Module Aims |
This course aims to:
• provide a systematic understanding of the fundamental science and technology of engineering composite materials
• study the often complex interctions between between the matrix, reinforcement and interface in composite materials, leading to an understanding of the relationships between reinforcement geometry and composite properties
• evaluate critically the principles behind important design considerations, processing technologies and test methods, leading to an ability to evaluate current understanding of the relationship between composite design, fabrication and performance |
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| Learning Outcomes |
Upon successful completion of the course and associated assessment package, students will be able to:
• describe and comment on the basic mechanical behaviour of composite materials and make sound judgdgements on the likely behaviour of new combinations of materials
• support the choices made for using certain types of composites in certain applications with reference to composite properties
• demonstrate a practical understanding of composite properties and fabrication techniques , and to be able to make realistic suggestions for the evalution of composite behaviour, where appropriate |
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| Module Content |
The course will include lectures, exercise classes and laboratory sessions.
Introduction
Basic mechanics of reinforcement
Laminate theory
Fracture processes and toughness of composites
Reinforcements and matrices
Interfaces in composites materials
Manufacturing processes
Modelling of the processing of fibre composites
Failure criteria
Introduction to design
Notches and joints - the effect of stress concentrations
Fatigue
Woven composites – structure and behaviour
Impact and environmental effects
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| Methods of Teaching/Learning |
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Intensive five day teaching period including lectures, tutorials, problem solving and laboratory sessions, followed by assessment package of a nominal 120 hours work, to be submitted within six months (part-time) or six weeks (full-time) of the end of the course week.
Total student learning time 150 hours.
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| Selected Texts/Journals |
Required reading
Extensive course notes are provided.
Recommended background reading:
The library has a wide range of textbooks that support this module, including:
Hull D and Clyne TW, An introduction to Composite Materials, 2nd ed, Cambridge University Press, 1996.
Agarwal BD and Broutman LJ, Analysis and Performance of Fiber Composites, Wiley, 1980.
(both of which provide a good introduction to the topic.) |
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| Last Updated |
29 April 2008 |
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