Module descriptors - Composites

The module descriptors for this programme can be found below.

Modules shown are for the current academic year and are subject to change depending on your year of entry.

Please note that the curriculum of this programme is currently being reviewed as part of a College-wide process to introduce a standardised modular structure. As a result, the content and assessment structures of this course may change for your year of entry. We therefore recommend that you check this course page before finalising your application and after submitting it as we will aim to update this page as soon as any changes are ratified by the College.

Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.

Advanced Manufacturing S2

Module aims

The module introduces manufacturing processes of composite materials and their corresponding underlying manufacturing principles to provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between design, manufacturing processing and materials properties. Various manufacturing methods are discussed, including short polymer fibre composites, advanced thermoplastic composites, advanced thermoset composites, melt metallurgical processes, powder metallurgical processes, advanced hybrid fibre metal laminates and ceramic matrix composite manufacturing route via melt infiltration, chemical vapour infiltration and polymer impregnation and pyrolysis processes. The real life applications of each manufacturing processes are also covered in this module.

Learning outcomes

On successfully completing this module, you should be able to:
1. Derive the basic transport equations and constitutive laws for composite processing;
2. Identify the key characteristics of different composite manufacturing processes and their associated advantages/disadvantages;
3. Select the appropriate manufacturing processes based on precursor materials;
4. Design and model the manufacturing processes of composite materials;
5. Explain the influence of manufacturing parameters on the finished composite parts.
6. Evaluate the various sustainability metrics of composite manufacturing processes using lifecycle engineering
 
AHEP Learning Outcomes: SM7M, SM9M, EA6M, EA7M, P12M, P10m, E11M
 

Module syllabus

Basic transport equations and constitutive laws for composite processing: Continuity equation (in the presence of fibres), resin/suspension viscosities, reaction kinetics and permeability
 
Polymer matrix composite manufacturing - Short fibre composites: Compression moulding, extrusion and injection moulding with detailed analytical analysis on the basic steps involved, flow model and cure cycle
 
Polymer matrix composite manufacturing – Advanced thermoplastic composites: Sheet forming processes and pultrusion with detailed discussion of cell model and consolidation of thermoplastics.
 
Polymer matrix composites manufacturing – Advanced thermoset composites: Autoclaving, liquid moulding and filament winding. The processing steps involved, flow model, process model, heat transfer and resin flow of all these processes will be discussed.
 
Metal matrix composites manufacturing – Melt metallurgical process, powder metallurgical process and hybrid composite: Pressure-less and pressurised infiltration processes, centrifugal and gas pressure infiltration, discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites – formation of billets for forging, extrusion and rolling processes and continuously reinforced metal matrix composites – diffusion bonding of foils, manufacturing principles of GLARE, fabrication of GLARE parts and structures and mechanical behaviour of GLARE for Aircraft structures 
 
Ceramic matrix composites manufacturing – Melt infiltration, Chemical Vapour Infiltration and Polymer Impregnation and Pyrolysis Process: The processing steps involved: Coating of fibre tows to tailor the fibre/matrix interface, manufacturing composite green body, generate porous preform and Si infiltration process and applications, Isothermal CVI and Gradient CVI, manufacturing of preform and pyrolysis 
 

Teaching methods

The module will be delivered primarily through large-class lectures introducing the key concepts and methods, supported by a variety of delivery methods combining the traditional and the technological.  The content is presented via a combination of slides, whiteboard and visualizer.

Learning will be reinforced through tutorial question sheets.

Assessments

This module presents opportunities both for formative and summative assessment.  
You will be formatively assessed through a number of progress tests and tutorial sessions. 
Additional opportunities are provided for you to self-assess your learning via tutorial problem sheets. 
Summative Assessment takes the form of a written closed-book exam at the end of the module. The exam is specifically formulated to assess design-based learning outcomes in addition to the other learning outcomes for the module.
Assessment type Assessment description Weighting Pass mark
Examination Closed-book written examination 100% 50%

You will receive feedback on examinations in the form of an examination feedback report on the performance of the entire cohort.

You will receive feedback on your performance whilst undertaking tutorial exercises, during which you will also receive instruction on the correct solution to tutorial problems.

Further individual feedback will be available to you on request via this module’s online feedback forum, through staff office hours and discussions with tutors. 

 

 

Module leaders

Professor Koon-Yang Lee