Course overview
To provide students with a basic understanding of the underlying science and the engineering performance of composites (part A) and multiphase polymer (part B) materials. Part A presents the fundamental techniques to manufacture composite structures as well as methods to design and analyse composite structures. Topics covered in part A include: composite benefits and applications; reinforcement, matrices and the reinforcement-matrix interface; fibre architecture; manufacturing processes; elasticity and stress analysis; strength, modulus and Poisson's ratio of unidirectional composites; short fibre composites; lamination theory; fracture processes and toughness of composites; characterisation of composites and their performance. Topics covered in part B includes: polymer blends and interpenetrating polymer networks; thermodynamics of blending; properties of polymer blends and foamed polymer; production and properties of structural foams; and orientated polymers.