ENGM017 | 2024/5 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Composite Materials	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	ENGM017	MODULE CONVENER	Shaowei Zhang (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	11

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	20

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 usage 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 quantitative methods for design.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to:

1) develop a broad understanding of various types of constituent (reinforcement and matrix) materials;

2) appreciate the principles which guide their selection for composites design and engineering applications; 3) appreciate the diverse manufacturing techniques/methodologies for composite materials; and

4) understand the relationships between manufacture, properties (in particular, mechanical properties) and performance.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.

The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are covered on this module (shown in bracket).

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Discipline and Module Intended Learning Outcomes:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. Critically analyse the inter-relationship between manufacturing process, material properties, cost, recyclability, and sustainability. (M7&M13)

2. Appraise the inherent characteristics of composite materials that affect design and performance of composite structures. (M1,M5, M6 & M13)

3. Apply a detailed understanding of the micromechanics of composites to design. (M1, M3, M5, M6 & M13)

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

4. Demonstrate advanced design skills based on mix and understanding of fundamental mechanics and materials science and technology. (M1, M5, M6 & M13)

5. Apply important concepts, theories and methods for analysis and design of composite structures to real-life applications. (M1, M5, M6 & M13)

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

6. Develop further critical thinking, independent learning, and problem solving skills. (M16).

7. Improve technical report writing skills. (M16)

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

1: General introduction of monolith materials and composite materials

2. Reinforcement and matrix materials, and interface/interphase

3. Toughening mechanisms in composites

4. Composite processing

5. Nonconventional composites: Laminates, self-healing composites, self-reinforced composites, and self-cleaning composites.

6. Micromechanics: Anisotropy, rule of mixture, Halphin-Tsai Equation, longitudinal and transverse elastic moduli of composites,

strength of composites parallel and perpendicular to fibres, in-plane shear modulus and strength, Load transfer in composites,

interfacial shear, critical fibre lengths.

7. Non-destructive testing (NDT)

8. Design with composite (coursework: design of a wind turbine blade)

9. Polymer matrix composites

10. Metal matrix composites

11. Ceramic matrix composites

12. Auxetic composites

13. Additive manufacturing (3-D printing) of composites

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	33	Guided Independent Study	117	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, (M1, M3, M6)

Oral

Coursework - Composite Design Problem

40

20 hours

1-4, 7 (M5, M7, M13, M16)

Oral

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 (M1, M3, M6)	Referral/Deferral Period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped.

Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, 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

Basic Reading:

Hull, Derek, An Introduction to Composite Materials, 2nd ed., CUP (1996) 0521388554

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	Tuesday 14th November 2023	LAST REVISION DATE	Tuesday 1st October 2024

KEY WORDS SEARCH	None Defined

Composite Materials - 2024 entry