Design in Polymer Composites

Description

Based on the most recent research findings the course aims to provide students with knowledge and insights that are essential for the engineering designer to design and manufacture robust and cost-efficient products based on polymer composites. Topics that are included in the course are e.g. selection of fibers and matrices, design procedure, and manufacturing methods. The course also provides knowledge about cost analysis. In each of the topics qualitative as well as quantitative methods are discussed. Knowledge and understanding For a passing grade the student must for a given conceptual design propose suitable fibers and matrices for a given conceptual design propose a suitable design based on the design solution propose a suitable manufacturing method calculate the actual costs associated with the given design present (individual or in group) the process and the result from a design project for an extern client Competences and skills For a passing grade the student must be able to independently, based on a given conceptual design, select suitable fibers and matrices be able to independently, or in a group, develop a unique engineering design solution be able to independently or in a group, in dialogue, communicate orally and in writing the engineering design solution developed to representatives of an industrial company or the equivalent Judgement and approach For a passing grade the student must in a research based way be able to reflect on the engineering design solutions developed and on the basis of that propose additional and/or alternative engineering design solutions be able to suggest the need for further and/or alternative engineering design solutions To ensure that the most recent research findings are presented in the course, external lecturers with links to research will be invited. During the course the students will get access to the latest research results in actual areas, to enable independent and well thought out assessments. During the first phase of the course, current polymer composite materials will be presented and discussed, with reference to material properties and costs. Then, a description of the most common manufacturing techniques for polymer composite material is given. After this part, i.e. presentation of the most common constituents and manufacturing techniques, the course mainly focus on design aspects for polymer composite materials. Mechanical and thermal properties, and techniques to measure these properties, are presented and reasons for damage and fracture are discussed in detail. The major part of the course is devoted to composite mechanics (laminate theory) and design methodology. During these lectures, calculations and design guidelines are presented. The lectures are complemented by exercises/examples. The theoretical part of the course is ended by a description of the state-of-the-art regarding new types of polymer composites, such as nano-composites and bio-composites. A short description of sandwich construction is also included at the end of the course. After the theoretical part of the course a design project is carried out. The project follows the topics covered in the lectures. Each part of the project will be checked by the supervisor. LTH programme course for Mechanical Engineering. Choice group: elective. Language: The course will be given in English. Suitable for foreign students: True. Assumed prior knowledge flag: 1. Entry requirements flag: 0.