Composite Engineering Practice

Module aims

A good composite engineer should know more than just the theoretical aspect of composite materials. You should also have an awareness of the practical, legal, ethical and manufacturing constraints, be creative in proposing solutions to problems and be able to communicate, collaborate, plan and manage their work. Therefore, this module builds on all the core taught modules of your programme and provide you with an opportunity to engage in the practical and hands-on aspect of composite engineering, supported by a range of workshops, lectures and tutorials. In the process you will need to expand on your prior knowledge and research new ideas, while appreciating the constraints imposed in a multi-disciplinary design environment subject to uncertainty. 

Learning outcomes

On the successful completion of this module, you should be able to - apply disciplinary knowledge towards the solution of an engineering problem, and appreciate the limitations of theoretical calculations in practice; - integrate knowledge and understanding developed over the course of the programme and apply it towards the preliminary design of a composite material; -  interpret professional Codes of Ethics and identify potential sources of ethical conflict and be aware of the drivers and constraints, including operational, legal, social, ethical and environmental, in the design process; - review market trends, gaps and legal/regulatory constraints to propose creative solutions to the design brief; - obtain and process information from a wide range of sources and analyse it critically; - report findings, in a clear and concise manner, through written reports and oral presentations;  - keep a consistent record of work and ideas;    - appreciate the challenges and develop methods for working and communicating effectively within a small, diverse group of students; - collaborate effectively within a large, diverse and multidisciplinary design team, being aware of the impact their decisions have on the wider project and the work of their teammates;  - communicate their work in varied oral and written forms to both a technical and non-technical audience. 

Module syllabus

A. Mechanical testing of polymer composites - tension, flexure, shear, fracture and compression. This is to support the theoretical knowledge students obtain during the lecture modules with the necessary practical skills and knowledge of testing equipment and methods, and test standards through a comprehensive laboratory programme. B. Group design project - This coursework is designed to be an opportunity to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills learned in the preceding lecture courses/modules. The coursework varies annually and is carried out in small groups.  C. Non-destructive Evaluation (NDE) coursework - An open-ended coursework requiring students to propose suitable NDE technique to be used on a selected composite part. D. Perspectives on nanomaterials as fillers - A short coursework requiring students to discuss the legal, social, environmental and ethnical issues, as well as to debate the controversy and/or speculate on possible future academic, technological, or societal advancements related to the use of selected nanomaterials as filler. 

Teaching methods

The module is delivered through a combination of large class lectures and hands on practicals in our workshop/composite suite/dynamic forming and fracture laboratory. You will also further engage in independent and self-organised group work to design, build and test composite materials, applying the skills and understanding you have developed throughout the module.

Assessments

Coursework - Perspectives on nanomaterials (10%)

Coursework - Group design project report (30%)

Practical - Group design project oral presentation (10%)

Practical - Group design project carry-out (10%)

Coursework - Individual report (Mechanical testing of polymer composites) (30%)

Coursework - Non-destructive evaluation (10%)