Provide the foundations for analysing stress and strain in Polymers and Composite Materials. Identify how to use physical and mathematical models to describe the stress/strain response of polymers over time - creep, relaxation and recovery. The fatigue, fracture and creep rupture of plastics. Introductory concept of micromechanics to estimate the elastic constants of a unidirectional orthotropic composite. Experimental measurement of principal strains on an orthotropic composite coupon. Hierarchy of deformation processes for sheet-forming of composite component: Resin flow, Transverse flow, Interply slip and Intraply shear. Rheology including resin viscosity/fibre suspensions and infusion processing window dependency on time-temperature-shear rate, fibre preform permeability, D'arcy flow. Advanced manufacturing techniques being developed within the Composite Research Centre including autoclaving, liquid composite moulding (LCM) - RTM, RFI, VARTM; Hot-drape forming. Filament winding/tape-placement. Engineering design guidelines when using composite materials.

1. Given constant and/or intermittent loading describe and analyse the time-dependant stress-strain response of plastic materials using physical and mathematical modelling (Written Exam) 2. Appraise the fracture of plastics and to evaluate the effect of stress system on their fatigue behaviour (Written Exam) 3. Predict the mechanical response of composites from micromechanics to macromechanics (Written Exam) 4. Design a structure using composite materials with due appreciation of key material properties and allowables (Written Exam) 5. Understand the hierarchy of deformation processes required to realise a successful complex curvature composite component during thermoforming - including advanced manufacturing techniques (Laboratory Work / Written Exam) 6. Apply viscosity and permeability values to predict resin flow through a dry fibre preform (Written Exam)

1. Recognise and differentiate the mechanical response of plastics and composite materials and homogeneous isotropic metallic counterparts (Written Exam)

1. Identify and measure the principal stress and strain directions on an orthotropic beam using strain gauges (Laboratory Work / Written Exam) 2. Manufacture and Non-Destructively Evaluate a composite component (Laboratory Work / Written Exam)