INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITE MATERIALS SCIENCE - 2019/0

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.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

OGIN Stephen (Mech Eng Sci)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Indicative content: the course includes 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

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

NA

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy:

Set of short questions covering the entire syllabus which require demonstration of an understanding of the underlying issues relevant to a wide range of fibre architecture/matrix/property relationships. Two long questions requiring extensive research to identify and integrate information on an issue of current relevance to advanced composite materials from self-determined sources to propose appropriate solutions and recognition, analysis and solution of a complex problem relevant to composite materials.

Summative assessment and formative feedback

·         Q1 (4 x short answer) + Q2 (long answer question)

[Learning outcomes 1-5]        (45 hours)        Mon/Tues 2 weeks after end of course {40%}

·         Q3 (6 x short answer) + Q4 (long answer question)

[Learning outcomes 1-5]        (75 hours)        Mon/Tues 6 weeks after end of course {60%}

·         Formative verbal feedback is given in lectures and tutorials.

·         Written feedback is given on the first assessment coursework (Q1 & Q2), which is submitted in advance of the final summative assessment.

Module aims

• provide a systematic understanding of the fundamental science and technology of engineering composite materials
• study the often complex interactions 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.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to introduce the fundamentals of composite materials through a variety of course materials, tutorials (including worked example classes), and guided self-study. This is delivered through lectures and tutorial classes.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• 25 hours of supported self-study, using lecture notes, lecture capture, selected reading, digital content, and guided reading.


• 5 hours tutorial classes (small group)


• 120 hours coursework

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: ENGM102

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2019/0 academic year.