The module descriptors for this programme can be found below.

Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this programme is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Composite Innovation - Nanocomposites and Structural Power S8

Module aims

 This module will take you through the latest composite innovations including nanophase reinforced composites and multifunctional composites. In nanocomposites, it will give a general introduction of various nanophase reinforced matrices, their potential and challenges, state of the art, their application and current research activities. In multifunctional materials, an overview of multifunctional structures and multifunctional materials will be presented, and then the course will focus on structural power composites.

Learning outcomes

 On the successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1.Give examples, on a basic level, of the latest material and composite innovations in the Aeronautics Department.
2. Predict the potential impact and explain the challenges of employing nanoparticle reinforced composites.
3. Relate the traditional reinforcing mechanisms to the impact of using nanoparticle as reinforcements, and calcuate the potential mechanical and physical properties for selected composites.
4. Select suitable manufacturing methods for different type of composites.
5. Predict the potential impact and explain the challenges of multifunctional composites.
6. Relate multifunctional material design to their different applications.

Module syllabus

Part I. Nanophase/Nanoparticle reinforced Composites (8h)
1.1 Introduction (1h): Introduction to nanoparticle and their composites; General reinforcing mechanisms using nanoparticle; Their potential and challenges; Future application. 1.2 Nanoparticles (1h): Definition; Introduction to different kind of nanoparticles; Their mechanical and physical properties; Manufacturing methods. 1.3 Nanoparticle polymer composties (2h) and hierachical composites (1h): 1.4 Nanoparticle matrix composites (2h): 1.5 Nanoparticle ceramic composites (1h): State of the Art ; Mechanical and physical properties ; Manufacturing; Characterisation; Reinforcing mechanisms and property predictions; Challenges including dispersion and wettability; Simulation methods; Applications.
Part 2. Multifunctionl Composites (8h) 2.1 Introduction (2hr): Introduction to multifunctional composites; Taxonomy; Smart materials; Multifunctional structures; Multifunctional materials. 2.2 Multifunctional design (1hr): O’Brien analysis; Advanced models; Case studies. 2.3 Principals of energy storage devices (1hr); Ragone plot; Supercapacitors; Batteries; Hybrid Devices. 2.4 Introduction to structural power (1hrs); Overview of developments; Structural supercapacitors; Structural batteries. 2.5 Constituents (1hr); Electrodes; Electrolytes; Separators; Current collection; Encapsulation. 2.6 Devices (2hr); Assembly, Fabrication; Characterisation; In-service issues; Modelling; Demonstration.
Part 3. Real practice/invited talks (4h)

3.1 Four research students from Dr. Li and Prof. Greenhalgh's research groups will give a presentation on their current ongoing research, demonstrating to the students the real challenges and achievements in Aero labs. One student 30 minutes, in total 2 hours. 3.2 Two expertises from the areas of Nanoparticle-composites and Structural Power will give a lecture on their topics, each 1 hour and in total 2 hours.  

Teaching methods

The module will be delivered primarily through in-class lectures introducing the key concepts and methods, supported by a variety of delivery methods combining the traditional and the technological. The content is presented via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualizer. Learning will be reinforced through tutorial discussions.

Assessments

This module presents opportunities for both formative and summative assessment. You will be summatively assessed through a course work in a scientific report form with the oppotunities of experiencing and practicing how to understand and solve the latest research questions. Certain number of topics will be provided from both parts at the begining of the lecture, and the students can choose their preferred 1-2 topics as their course work title. The students will then be allocated to the topics accordingly. You will be formatively assessed through in-class Q&A, progress tests and/or tutorial sessions. You will have additional opportunities to self-assess your learning via tutorial problem sheets.

You will receive feedback on your submitted course work in the form of individual comments from the lecturers who will mark your course work. You will receive feedback on your performance whilst undertaking tutorial discussions, during which you will receive instruction on the raised tutorial discussion questions. Further individual feedback will be available to you on request via this module’s online feedback forum.

Assessment type Assessment description Weighting Pass mark
Coursework A scientific report (max 3000 words) on selected topic 100% 50%

Useful links