INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITE MATERIALS SCIENCE - 2020/1
Module code: ENGD024
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: 0
ECTS Credits: 0
Framework: FHEQ Level 8
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Overall student workload
Independent Learning Hours: 30
Lecture Hours: 10
Tutorial Hours: 10
Laboratory Hours: 10
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
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Short answer questions | 50 |
| Coursework | Long answer question involving calculation, analysis, discussion involving core aspects of the module. | 50 |
Alternative Assessment
N/A
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy:
Set of short questions (Q1) which require demonstration of an understanding of the underlying issues relevant to a wide range of fibre architecture/matrix/property relationships. One long question (Q2) 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. This question may also include an aspect of numerical calculation and analysis.
Thus, the summative assessment for this unit consists of:
• Q1 (Short answer questions) 50%
• Q2 (Essay question) 50%
Formative assessment
• Formative verbal feedback is given in lectures and tutorials.
Feedback
• Written feedback is given on the submitted coursework
Module aims
- a systematic understanding of the fundamental science and technology of engineering composite materials
- a study of 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
- a way of evaluating 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
| Attributes Developed | ||
| 001 | Describe and comment on the basic mechanical behaviour of composite materials and make sound judgements on the likely behaviour of new combinations of materials | CK |
| 002 | Support the choices made for using certain types of composites in certain applications with reference to composite properties | CK |
| 003 | Demonstrate a practical understanding of composite properties and fabrication techniques, and to be able to make realistic suggestions for the evaluation of composite behaviour, where appropriate | CK |
| 004 | Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying issues through the appropriate interpretation of assessment questions | CK |
| 005 | Apply course subject matter for research and advanced academic enquiry | CK |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Methods of Teaching / Learning
The learning and teaching strategy is designed to introduce the fundamentals of composite materials through lectures, tutorials (including worked example classes) and practical classes. This is delivered through lectures and tutorial classes.
The learning and teaching methods include:
• 22 hours lectures
• 8 hours tutorial classes
• 30 hours coursework.
The teaching is delivered as a one-week intensive course.
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: ENGD024
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micro- and NanoMaterials and Technologies EngD | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 50% is required to pass the module |
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 2020/1 academic year.