Module overview
This module provides an in depth coverage of the mechanics of fibre-reinforced polymer materials and structures. The core of the course encompass modelling of the 2D orthotropic lamina reduced from 3D continuum mechanics for anisotropic solids, classical laminate theory and the assumption of orthotropic material behaviour, structural modelling of composite beams and plates, and consideration of damage and prediction of failure. The students will gain an understanding of the deformation and failure behaviour of composite materials and structures through application to specific design applications in project work. The concepts of damage and failure will be introduced along with details of assessing material behaviour through mechanical testing and microscopic evaluations. A laboratory class will introduce the effects of manufacturing processes and material construction. Assignments based on the laboratory will enable student to analyse and predict the behaviour of specific materials configurations using a rational mechanics based approach.
Linked modules
Pre-requisites: FEEG2005 or CENV2031
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- Applications of composites: past, present and future.
- Fibres and polymer resin materials: types and properties
- Modelling of layered composite beam and plate structures.
- An in-depth understanding of the overall topical area of composite materials including their properties, manufacturing, analysis and design.
- Introduction to joining of composite materials.
- Laminae and laminates: micro-mechanical models, modelling of the laminae, classical laminate theory
- Sandwich structures.
- Manufacturing methods, their processing characteristics and influence on the mechanical properties of composites
- Fracture and failure.
Subject Specific Practical Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Apply understanding of composite theory to simple component design.
- Understand testing procedures to obtain material properties for analysis.
- Understand the steps involved to manufacture a simple laminate.
- Select an appropriate manufacturing method for a composite component.
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Demonstrate understanding of mechanics of composite materials and structures, fracture and failure mechanisms as applied to simple component design.
- Be able to apply concepts, theories and methods for analysis and design of composite structures to real-life applications.
- Demonstrate understanding of the factors involved in selecting manufacturing processes.
- Appreciate properties of modern composite materials and factors which determine their use.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Optimise a problem.
- Report writing.
- Searching literature.
- To apply theory to solve practical problems.
- Apply a selection procedure.
Syllabus
The structure of the module is as follows:
Modern composite materials:
Revision of fibres, matrix, thermosetting and thermoplastic resins.
Mechanics and design:
Concepts-anisotropic materials, tensor notation.
Elastic behaviour and strength of a single lamina.
Determining material properties by mechanical testing and micromechanical approaches.
Multidirectional laminates CLT.
Structural analysis of laminated beams and plates.
Stress and failure analysis and damage mechanics of simple component.
Introduction to sandwich structures.
Introduction to joining methods for composite materials and structures.
Manufacture:
Introduction to manufacturing processes, including contact moulding, resin infusion, resin transfer moulding, filament winding, vacuum bag/autoclave. The process variables are identified and their
effect upon the quality, properties and economics discussed. Joining and machining.
Applications:
Case studies from aerospace, automotive, energy, infrastructure and marine sectors.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- lectures laboratory classes = 14 additional slots on timetable
- tutorial workshops
- presentation sessions
- One to one sessions on project work = 4 additional lecture slots
Learning activities include:
- Review questions which are intended for (small group) self-study.
- Quizzes and tests on Blackboard.
- Project work for coursework assignment from Aerospace, Mechanical and Marine sectors.
- Individual laboratory based assignment and analysis.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 12 |
| Follow-up work | 35 |
| Seminar | 1 |
| Supervised time in studio/workshop | 2 |
| Completion of assessment task | 50 |
| Lecture | 26 |
| Wider reading or practice | 20 |
| Practical classes and workshops | 2 |
| Project supervision | 2 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Referral method - Normally the referral for this module consists of resubmission of the coursework/s on laboratory work and individual assignments, with the mark on Coursework Group project unchanged from the first attempt. In case the mark for the Coursework Group project is below the qualifying mark and alternative referralassignment will be provided.
External repeat of this module is only possible if the Coursework Group project has been passed at the qualifying mark.
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
CourseworkSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Continuous Assessment | 60% |
| Final Assessment | 40% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Set Task | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External