MSc Advanced Engineering Materials / Course details

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)
• Blackboard – All lecture notes, questions sheets and handouts will be available electronically

• 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. A¿stro¿m, 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