MSc Advanced Engineering Materials

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2027, the tuition fees are as follows:

• MSc (full-time)
  UK students (per annum): £15,400
  International, including EU, students (per annum): £38,600

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The unit gives an introduction to the processing, structure and properties of advanced composite materials, including nano-composites. Specific topics cover: Production, characterisation and properties of polymer nanocomposites; An Introduction to Composites Applications; The Theory of Composite Materials, with emphasis on the mechanical properties of particulate and fibre reinforced composites; unidirectional and multidirectional laminates; stress analysis and failure criteria; Ceramic and Metal Matrix Composites, covering properties, methods of production and applications; Manufacturing of Advanced Polymer-matrix Composites.

The unit aims to:

Introduce different types of composites and their advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional engineering materials.  On the successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• define the production and characterisation techniques applicable to polymer nanocomposites.
• discuss the behaviour of nanocomposite materials; with a focus on mechanical properties as well as thermal, and electrical conductivity, and combinations to provide multi-functionality.
• describe the basic micromechanics of particulate, long and short fibre reinforced composites; 
• describe the main technologies for the production of components from composite materials;
• apply the theory which underlies these processing operations;
• analyse stiffness and strength of unidirectional laminates, failure criteria;
• destructive and Non-destructive testing of composites.

A greater depth of the learning outcomes will be covered in the following sections:

• Knowledge and understanding
• Intellectual skills
• Practical skills
• Transferable skills and personal qualities

Facilitated learning activities (Including lectures, tutorials and a practical)

Independent learning activities (Including practical writing, research and private study)

Canvas – All lecture notes, questions sheets and handouts will be available electronically

This unit is delivered using a blended learning approach, which integrates technology and digital media with traditional classroom activities. A variety of learning and teaching processes will be used including: lectures, discussions, group activities and independent study. Canvas will be used to present online study materials, including videos, lecture notes, guided reading, articles and other information. Canvas will also be used for the submission of assessments.

• Identify and describe the beneficial effects of nanoscale reinforcements and how these affect the micromechanics as well as thermal and electrical properties.
• Explain the nature and applications of composite materials.
• Explain the basic theory describing the mechanical properties (stiffness and strength) of particulate- and fibre-reinforced composites; Stress analysis and failure criteria
• Describe the details of the technologies for the production of composite artefacts
• Explain the interrelation between the design and manufacture of polymer composite artefacts
• Explain the electrical and thermal transport behaviour of nanocomposite materials.

• Evaluate a component design and select an appropriate process ‘chain’ (material-process combination)
• Apply models to predict the mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of composite materials.
• Identify the appropriate technologies for the production of given artefacts.

• Estimate stiffness and ultimate strength of laminated plates
• Solve problems relating to applications of composite materials.

• Data analysis and application to relate polymer, metal, ceramic and composite structure and properties. 

Feedback given (written and verbal)

• Introduction to Composite Materials, D. Hull, T.W. Clyne. Cambridge Univ. Press, 1996.
• Introduction to Metal Matrix Composites by T.W. Clyne and P.J. Withers, Cambridge UP, 1993
• Ceramic Matrix Composites, K.K. Chawla, Chapman & Hall, 1993
• Introduction to Polymers, Chapter 24, R.J. Young, P.A. Lovell, CRC Press, 2011
• Manufacturing Processes for Advanced Composites, F.C. Campbell, Elsevier, 2004.
• Processing of Composites [electronic resource] / R.S. Dave, A.C. Loos (editors), 2000, Knovel
• E-book (available via library Electronic Resources).
• Polymer Processing and Structure Development, A.N. Wilkinson, A.J. Ryan, Kluwer, 1998.
• Manufacturing of Polymer Composites, B.T. Åström, Chapman and Hall, 1997.
• Liquid Moulding Technologies, C.D. Rudd, Woodhead, 1997.
• Composite Materials: Functional Materials for Modern Technologies, D. Chung, Springer, 2003.
• Polymer Nanocomposites: Electrical and Thermal Properties, Huang, X., Zhi, C., Springer 2016
• Smart Polymer Nanocomposites: Energy Harvesting, Self-Healing and Shape Memory Applications, Ponnamma, P., Springer, 2017
• Polymer Nanocomposites: Towards Multi-Functionality, Dasari, A., Springer 2016