This course provides a broad overview of engineering composites with a specialisation towards fibre reinforced matrix materials. Emphasis is placed on composite constituents, interfaces, all aspects of composites manufacturing, processing and composite mechanics (geometric aspects, laminate theory, strength and fracture theory). Practical composites design, environmental aspects and specialized composites are also introduced, geared towards recent developments. Laboratory practice gives hand-on experience in laminate fabrication and knowledge of composite microstructures. The engineering of composite structures will be tackled using various analytical and computational techniques leading to the ability to accurately predict the fibre orientations, laminate thicknesses and geometric shapes required for efficient composite component design. Amongst the new technologies to be introduced will be the fields of biocomposites and nanocomposites.

Admission to the ME degree and permission of the course coordinator.