Study information

Composite Materials - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEComposite Materials CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEENGM017 MODULE CONVENER Shaowei Zhang (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This advanced, masters level module, will provide a detail course in the mechanics, manufacturing and design of composite materials. This course will be of great importance to engineers looking to work in the aerospace, automotive industries, where composites useage is every increasing. The module is split between 40% coursework and exam (60%). The coursework will focus on a design for manufacturing and performance of a real world example of an aircraft structure. It will require students to pool all aspects of the degree together, from understanding of materials, fundamental structures and quantative methods for design.

AIMS - intentions of the module
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

ILO #

Intended Learning Outcome

AHEP* ILO - MEng

ILO #1            

 Apply a detailed understanding of the micromechanics of composites to design SM2m, SM3m, SM5m, EA2m, Ea3m, EA4m, D4m, ET7m, EP1m, EP4m, EP8m, G1m. EA5m, D1m, D4m, D5m, D7m, D8m, ET4m, EP1m, EP2m

ILO #2

Understand and use understanding of the implications of manufacturing process / methods has on micromechanics

  

ILO #3

Understand the incricate balanced between stiffness and strength of composites

  

ILO #4

Use composite laminate theory to design a simple composite structure

  

ILO #5

Understand the key mechanics of failure of composites and their limitations as a material, and the methods of characterisation

  

ILO #6

Obtain a details understanding of the range of NDT methods for composites, and when and which are appropriate

    

 

ILO #7

 

Develop strong, research focus report writing skills

  

ILO #8

Mix and understanding of fundamental mechanics, materials and design

  

*Engineering Council Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP) ILOs for MEng and BEng Degrees


 

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

1: Comparison of mechanical properties of composites with other engineering materials:

Introduction and micromechanics

2: Anisotropy:

Introduction and micromechanics

3: Longitudinal and transverse elastic moduli of FRPs:

Introduction and micromechanics

4: Rule of Mixtures:

Introduction and micromechanics

5: Determination of modulus of elasticity as a function of orientation:

Introduction and micromechanics

6: Strength of composites parallel and perpendicular to fibres:

Introduction and micromechanics

7: Krenchel coefficients:

Introduction and micromechanics

8: Load transfer in composites, interfacial shear, critical fibre lengths, critical aspect ratio:

Introduction and micromechanics

9: Inter-laminar shear strength:

Introduction and micromechanics

10: Toughness of composites, Cook-Gordon effect, fracture energy of composites:

Introduction and micromechanics

11: Manufacture of composites:

12: Comparison of carbon fibre laminates and aluminium alloys:

Composite laminates

13: Laminate analysis/ design:

Composite laminates

14: Material coupling:

Composite laminates

15: Failure criteria (strength and stiffness):

Composite laminates

16: Review of sandwich structures:

Sandwich structures

17: Design and analysis of sandwich structures:

Sandwich structures

18: In-plane failure modes:

Sandwich structures

19: Case study example of a honeycomb structure:

Sandwich structures

20: Impact behaviour of composite and sandwich panels:

Sandwich structures

21: Role of NDT in quality control and in in-service inspection of aircraft:

NDT

22: Review of types of defect found in aircraft and their hazards:

NDT

23: X-ray inspection, sources, recording, sensitivity, radiation safety:

NDT

24: Dye penetrant crack detection:

NDT

25: Ultrasonic testing, ultrasonic wave propagation and reflection:

NDT

26: Transducers, coupling. A-scan, b-scan, c-scan, shear wave and surface wave inspection techniques. Electrical methods, eddy current, potential drop, magnetic methods:

NDT

27: Special inspection problems posed by composite materials. “The ageing aircraft programme:

NDT

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category

Hours of study time

Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 22 Lectures

Scheduled learning & teaching activities

11

Tutorial

Guided independent study

 117

Self-study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

 

% of credit

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

ILOs assessed

Feedback method
Exam 60 2 hours 1-2, 4-6, 8  

Coursework - Composite Design Problem

 40 20 hours

1-4, 7

  

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment

Form of re-assessment

ILOs re-assessed

Time scale for re-assessment

All above

 Exam (100%, 2 hours)

1-2, 4-6, 8

August ref/def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Reassessment will be by a single written exam only worth 100% of the module. For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 50%.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Web-based and electronic resources:

  • ELE – https://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

 

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Friday 27th January 2023 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 27th January 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH None Defined

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.