THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADHESIVE BONDING - 2019/0

Module Overview

This module deals with the interfacial chemistry of adhesion and adhesion pre-treatments and the design of structural adhesive joints, together with testing and modelling of adhesive joint performance.

Module provider

Mechanical Engineering Sciences

Module Leader

WATTS John (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 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None.    

Module content

The course content consists of twenty lectures that cover the principles of adhesion science, polymers and adhesive formulation ahead of providing an in depth description of the properties of the various adhesives and the methods of pretreating surfaces (of all types) prior to adhesive bonding.

The design of adhesive joints is introduced and both a fracture mechanics and a finite element approach are developed as means of predicting the response of such joints to mechanical loading. The various test methods, particularly those relating to the durability of bonded structures, are introduced and a critical comparison made of the geometries in general use. The use of adhesive bonding as a manufacturing process is investigated, an integral part of this section being statistical process control methods and health and safety considerations.

The module then considers a series of case histories relating to the use of adhesive bonding in the automobile, packaging and microelectronics industries and its role in the production of high performance, lightweight, cars.

Indicative content includes:

• The Fundamentals of Adhesion Science


• Polymer Science


• Adhesive Formulation and the Chemistry of Adhesive Types


• Pre-treatment Prior to Bonding


• Health and Safety and Environmental Aspects


• Mechanical Properties of Structural Adhesives


• Other Adhesive Types


• Selection of Adhesives


• Design of Adhesive Joints


• Finite Element Analysis and its Application to Adhesive Joints


• The Bonding Process


• Modeling the Structural Response of Bonded Structures to Service Loading


• Fracture Mechanics Applied to Adhesive Joints


• Manufacturing Case Studies I: The Automobile Industry


• Manufacturing Case Studies II: The Packaging Industry


• Manufacturing Case Studies III: The Microelectronics Industry


• Mechanical Testing of Adhesive Joints


• Durability of Adhesive Joints


• Quality Assurance in Adhesive Bonding


• Using Structural Adhesives for High Performance, Lightweight Cars

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

NA

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate both a knowledge across the whole breadth of the module and a deeper cognitive/analytical ability alongside deeper knowledge in specified areas.

The short questions of the assessment package are able to test knowledge and understanding of a broad range of topics covered in the module. The longer questions (one on design and mechanics of adhesive joints, one on adhesive bonding fundamentals and applications) are aimed at assessing the knowledge of specific chosen topics and depth of understanding expected at this level.

Summative assessment and formative feedback

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

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

• 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 thorough grounding in the technology of industrial adhesive bonding
• impart knowledge of adhesive types and formulations, design, modeling and mechanical properties of adhesive joints
• show current case studies of adhesive joints in practice - e.g. automobile, packaging industries.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to:

Introduce the fundamental principles of adhesion and surface pre-treatment, together with adhesive types. The design of adhesive joints is introduced and both a fracture mechanics and a finite element approach are developed as means of predicting the response of such joints to mechanical loading, joint testing geometries are described.  A series of Case Studies are employed to illustrate adhesive bonding scenarios in a range of industries. This is achieved principally though lectures and laboratory demonstrations.

The learning and teaching methods include:

• Lectures [21 hours]


• Tutorials [2 hours]


• Demonstrations [2 hours]


• Industrial visit [3 hours]


• Coursework [120 hours]

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: ENGM107

Other information

Please note this module runs biennially with modules ENGM106 - Materials Under Stress: An Intro to Fracture Mechanics and ENGM114 - Corrosion Engineering. Students who temporarily withdraw or who are granted extenuating circumstances after attending the intensive week will be issued with a new assessment/s as appropriate.

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.