Composites

Course duration: Full-time: MSc: 1 year, MRes: 1 year. Part-time: MSc: 2 years, MRes: 2 years

Location: Advanced Composites Training and Development Centre, Hawarden

Start month: September

Aircraft wings have historically been made from aluminum alloys. There is now a revolution in materials usage with composites being widely adopted in the industry due to the lower weight of the structures leading to reduced running costs.

These courses cover the theory of the mechanics of composites, design considerations and the environmental aspects of composites. The aim is to provide a cradle to grave understanding of these materials. The courses have been constructed in close collaboration with Airbus UK to serve as an industry-led introduction to composites and their application in the aircraft and other industries. They provide the background understanding of the issues behind the use of composites in aerostructures and other transport applications, in manufacturing of composite detail and assemblies, the mechanics of composites and how they differ from isotropic materials.

The MSc provides a conversion course for those with backgrounds in metallic structures as well as a comprehensive introduction to composites and their industrial exploitation. The MRes course is a researchbased Masters degree for people who already have a first degree or conversion Masters in a related subject, who would like to explore and develop their own potential by undertaking research at postgraduate level.

Key Facts

• Accreditation is being sought from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for these courses
• Excellent lecture, research and IT facilities are available through the University’s collaboration with Airbus UK at the Advanced Composites Training and Development joint facility
• The University has extensive experience of out of autoclave rapid processing of polymer composites using a variety of techniques, including microwave, induction and Quickstep (fluid heat transfer) processing. There is also expertise in resin chemistry and a wide range of resin types
• The lab will have facilities for thermal analysis of composites and manufacture of small components from prepreg and dry fibres
• Research in this area can be linked to the existing research work in the areas of computational fluid dynamics, aeronautical engineering and performance car engineering. Since some of the composites research involves modelling of heating using electromagnetic waves this links into research in computing and electrical engineering.

Career Opportunities

The expertise that you will gain from these programmes will put you at the forefront of the development of the aircraft and related industries where new processes and materials are integral to the future of industry. Completing the MRes course could lead to a career in research where you could continue your research interest and lead innovation.

Course Content

MSc Composites

• An introduction to the use, manufacture and properties of composites - An overview of the aerospace-led demand for composite materials including the type of composites available and their constituents. As part of this module you will look at the issues behind selection of the correct composite for an application, manufacturing methods commonly used for making composites and the fundamentals of the mechanics of composites.
• Assembly, joining and repair of composites - Examining the tools and techniques of composite assembly and joining, this includes drilling, trimming, shimming, sealing and fastening. You will review how this differs from metallics and be introduced to the procedures used for repair. This module will also discuss the impact and crash worthiness of composites and review methods used for quality assurance.
• Design with composites - theory - this covers the detailed mechanics and applications of composites and classical laminate theory including basic composites theory for brittle and ductile matrix composites. It will also look at analytical theory for effect of volume fraction, failure of composites and effect of loading angle as well as the main failure criteria.
• Design with composites practice - you will cover the detailed mechanics of composites and classical laminate theory, as well as getting the chance to apply principles to the choice and design of specific laminate(s). From this module you will understand in depth the potential requirements that lightning strikes pose to an aircraft and its composite structure. You will also apply modern management approaches to the management of composite materials.
• Analysis, testing and QA of composites - this module will to explore the mechanical characterisation of composite materials; and explain their limitations. It will also introduce the thermal analysis methods used in the analysis of composites.
• Environmental aspects of composites - you will understand the effects of environmental conditions on composite life; the effect of fire on composites; the effect of lightning strikes on materials and structures. You will also learn the recyclability and end of life management methods for composites as well as gaining an understanding of legal implications and health and safety issues.
• Dissertation/Project

MRes Composites

You will pursue a number of options from the modules listed for the MSc above along with your extensive research project.

Entry Requirements

This course is taught in block release from employment, so you should already be employed in a related sector and have working knowledge of composites.

Find out more

For more information about this course, please click here.

Alternatively, you can telephone 01978 293439 or email SID@glyndwr.ac.uk