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EG-2037
Mechanical Deformation in Structural Materials: Theory and practicals
This module explores the deformation behaviour of a wide range of engineering materials, extending first-year principles to high-performance systems such as titanium and nickel alloys. Students will develop an understanding of deformation and damage mechanisms through focused study of elasticity, plasticity, alloy strengthening, fatigue, creep, and the mechanics of materials. The module also covers methods of mechanical testing and emerging technologies such as additive layer manufacturing. A key emphasis is placed on linking microstructure to mechanical properties across metals, ceramics, and composites, highlighting how processing treatments can significantly influence material behaviour. Through the identification and assessment of microstructures in both ferrous and non-ferrous alloys, students gain insight into how microstructural design and control underpin performance in advanced engineering applications. The module is delivered through a combination of lectures and practical classes, providing both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience in materials characterisation and analysis.
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EG-3108
Polymers and Composite Materials
This module provides an integrated study of polymeric and composite materials, examining their structure, properties, processing and engineering applications. Students will explore the full spectrum of composite systems¿including polymer, metal and ceramic matrix composites, together with the behaviour of key reinforcements such as fibres and particles. Core topics include matrix and reinforcement chemistry, microstructure development, mechanical response, anisotropy, stress analysis, fatigue performance, failure mechanisms and the environmental impact on/of composite materials. The module also develops a clear understanding of polymer chain architecture, morphology, phase behaviour, and mechanical properties and how these govern material design, performance and manufacturability. Major industrial processing technologies for polymers and composites are covered, highlighting the critical relationships between processing parameters, structure and functional properties. Industrial case studies and laboratory-based activities support the learning, with particular emphasis on applications in automotive, marine and aerospace sectors, alongside environmental considerations and joining strategies for advanced materials.
Mae¿r modiwl hwn yn darparu astudiaeth integredig o ddeunyddiau polymeraidd a chyfansawdd, gan archwilio eu strwythur, eu priodweddau, eu prosesu a¿u cymwysiadau peirianyddol. Bydd myfyrwyr yn archwilio¿r sbectrwm llawn o systemau cyfansawdd ¿ gan gynnwys cyfansoddion â matrics polymer, metel a cheramig ¿ ynghyd ag ymddygiad atgyfnerthwyr allweddol megis ffibrau a gronynnau. Mae prif themâu¿r modiwl yn cynnwys cemeg matrics ac atgyfnerthwyr, datblygiad microstrwythur, ymateb mecanyddol, anisotroffedd, dadansoddi straen, perfformiad blinder, mecanweithiau methiant, a¿r effaith amgylcheddol ar/deunyddiau cyfansawdd. Mae¿r modiwl hefyd yn meithrin dealltwriaeth glir o bensaernïaeth cadwyn polymer, morffoleg ac ymddygiad cyfnodau, a sut mae¿r rhain yn llywodraethu perfformiad a gweithgynhyrchedd deunyddiau. Mae prif dechnolegau prosesu diwydiannol ar gyfer polymerau a deunyddiau cyfansawdd yn cael eu cynnwys, gan bwysleisio¿r perthnasoedd hanfodol rhwng paramedrau prosesu, strwythur a phriodweddau swyddogaethol. Mae astudiaethau achos diwydiannol a gweithgareddau labordy yn cefnogi¿r dysgu, gyda phwyslais arbennig ar gymwysiadau yn y sectorau modurol, morol ac awyrol, ynghyd â materion amgylcheddol a strategaethau uno ar gyfer deunyddiau uwch.
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EG-M373
Polymers and Composite Materials
This module provides an integrated study of polymeric and composite materials, examining their structure, properties, processing and engineering applications. Students will explore the full spectrum of composite systems¿including polymer, metal and ceramic matrix composites, together with the behaviour of key reinforcements such as fibres and particles. Core topics include matrix and reinforcement chemistry, microstructure development, mechanical response, anisotropy, stress analysis, fatigue performance, failure mechanisms and the environmental impact on/of composite materials. The module also develops a clear understanding of polymer chain architecture, morphology, phase behaviour, and mechanical properties and how these govern material design, performance and manufacturability. Major industrial processing technologies for polymers and composites are covered, highlighting the critical relationships between processing parameters, structure and functional properties. Industrial case studies and laboratory-based activities support the learning, with particular emphasis on applications in automotive, marine and aerospace sectors, alongside environmental considerations and joining strategies for advanced materials.
Mae¿r modiwl hwn yn darparu astudiaeth integredig o ddeunyddiau polymeraidd a chyfansawdd, gan archwilio eu strwythur, eu priodweddau, eu prosesu a¿u cymwysiadau peirianyddol. Bydd myfyrwyr yn archwilio¿r sbectrwm llawn o systemau cyfansawdd ¿ gan gynnwys cyfansoddion â matrics polymer, metel a cheramig ¿ ynghyd ag ymddygiad atgyfnerthwyr allweddol megis ffibrau a gronynnau. Mae prif themâu¿r modiwl yn cynnwys cemeg matrics ac atgyfnerthwyr, datblygiad microstrwythur, ymateb mecanyddol, anisotroffedd, dadansoddi straen, perfformiad blinder, mecanweithiau methiant, a¿r effaith amgylcheddol ar/deunyddiau cyfansawdd. Mae¿r modiwl hefyd yn meithrin dealltwriaeth glir o bensaernïaeth cadwyn polymer, morffoleg ac ymddygiad cyfnodau, a sut mae¿r rhain yn llywodraethu perfformiad a gweithgynhyrchedd deunyddiau. Mae prif dechnolegau prosesu diwydiannol ar gyfer polymerau a deunyddiau cyfansawdd yn cael eu cynnwys, gan bwysleisio¿r perthnasoedd hanfodol rhwng paramedrau prosesu, strwythur a phriodweddau swyddogaethol. Mae astudiaethau achos diwydiannol a gweithgareddau labordy yn cefnogi¿r dysgu, gyda phwyslais arbennig ar gymwysiadau yn y sectorau modurol, morol ac awyrol, ynghyd â materion amgylcheddol a strategaethau uno ar gyfer deunyddiau uwch.
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EG-M73
Composite Materials
A detailed coverage of current polymer, metal and ceramic matrix composite systems for engineering applications focusing on their performance envelope, advantages and limitations.
The units will cover the following:
- The components and their attributes - an overview (reinforcements, matrices and interfaces),
- Properties of the matrix materials (Thermosets/thermoplastics, metals, ceramics, structure and mechanical behaviour),
- Properties of fibres and particles (Glass fibres, organic fibres, carbon fibres, ceramic particles and fibres; processing, structure, mechanical response),
- Composite manufacture (Piles, weaves, preforms, moulding pultrusion, filament winding, powder metallurgy, casting spraying),
- Mechanics of reinforcement (Rule of mixtures, anisotropy, laminate structures, stress- strain response),
- Basic stress analysis and failure mechanisms (Stress transfer and partitioning, multiple failure events, progression of fracture, toughness),
- Fatigue design considerations (Damage progression, reinforcement effects); Calculations.
- Environmental effect on / of composites and joining techniques
