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.

Fundamentals of Composite Materials

Module aims

This module will take you through some of the fundamental concepts in composite materials, which the rest of the MSc programme will build upon. The module will start with an introduction to various composite systems, followed by the mechanical properties and characterisation of composite materials.

Learning outcomes

On the successful completion of this module, you will be able to:
1. Evaluate composites performance using basic rules of mixtures equations
2. Discuss various properties affecting strength of matrices as well as their applications in composites
3. Explain the concept of wettability in composites, it’s application and how to quantify it mathematically.
4. Discuss the principles of fracture mechanics and the differences between the fracture modes
5. Analyse typical fracture test data and calculate the fracture energy
6. Propose a suitable test method for measuring the toughness of a composite material

Module syllabus

Part I. Introduction to Composite Materials
 
Types of composite materials: Fibre architecture and processing (Long fibres) - Laminates – notation and stacking sequences; Fibre architecture and processing (Short fibres) - fibre orientation in 3D, fibre length distribution; Introduction to Rules of Mixtures – including composite void content. Reinforcements: Fibre flexibility; Types of reinforcements and its manufacturing processes; Glass fibres, Basalt fibres, Boron fibres, Carbon fibres, Organic fibres, Ceramic fibres, Whiskers. Matrix Materials: Polymer matrices: Glass Transition Temperature, Thermoplastics and thermosets, Copolymers, Molecular Weight, Degree of Crystallinity, Stress – Strain behaviour, Viscoelasticity; Metal matrices: Structure, Conventional Strengthening methods, Properties of metal; Ceramic matrices: Bonding and structure, Effect of flaws on strength. Interfaces: Wettability: Young’s Equation, Contact Angle Hysteresis, Kinetics of wetting, Adhesion – types of bonding at interface.
Part 2. Composite fracture

Fundamentals of Fracture Mechanics: Typical fracture processes. Fracture mechanics. Energy balance. Energy release rate G, area method, general forms in terms of load, displacement and energy. Stress intensity factor K and relationship to G. Application of Fracture Mechanics to Delamination in Composites: Definition of fracture modes. Derivation of G for beam specimens; Mode I delamination tests, analysis and experimental details. Standards; Mode II test, analysis and test details; Mixed mode testing. Failure envelopes. Mode III tests; Effect of rate & temperature. Multi-directional composites. Use of fracture mechanics for short fibre & particulate composites. Toughening mechanisms. 

Teaching methods

The module will be delivered primarily through large-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 questions and a practical coursework (assessed), to be carried out in the Composites Suite.
 

Assessments

This module presents opportunities both for formative and summative assessment.
Formative assessment takes the form of in-class quizes.
Additional opportunities are provided for you to self-assess your learning via tutorial problem sheets.
Summative Assessment takes the form of a written closed-book exam at the end of the module.
If module is failed, the typical reassessment offered will be exam only.

You will receive feedback on examinations in the form of an examination feedback report on the performance of the entire cohort. You will receive feedback on your performance whilst undertaking tutorial exercises, during which you will also receive instruction on the correct solution to tutorial problems. Further individual feedback will be available to you on request via this module’s online feedback forum. 

Assessment type Assessment description Weighting Pass mark
Examination Closed-book written examination 80% 50%
Coursework Composite manufacture 20% 50%

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