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Module Title
LM Sensors and Composites
School
Metallurgy and Materials
Department
Metallurgy & Materials
Module Code
04 21364
Module Lead
Prof Gerard Fernando
Level
Masters Level
Credits
10
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
MRes in the Science and Engineering of Materials MRes in Biomaterials MRes in Materials for Sustainable Energy Technologies MEng in Materials Engineering
Exclusions
Description
This module will provide an introduction to fibre reinforced organic matrix composites and optical fibre sensors. With reference to fibre reinforced composite materials, the lecture series will provide basic information on the constitutive materials and their mechanical, chemical and physical properties. Non-destructive techniques will also be covered briefly. Emphasis will be placed on linking the processing chemistry to the development of sensors. Typical failure modes will be discussed and once again these will be linked to the design and development of sensor systems. With reference to optical fibre sensors, this module will provide a basic introduction to optical fibres and as to how the properties of the lightguide can be modified or engineered to design sensors. The sensors systems to be addressed will include intensity, polarisation and interferometric devices. The construction of sensors for monitoring strain, temperature, vibration and specified chemical species will be considered. The demonstration for this element of the module will include infrared spectroscopy using optical fibres and their sensors and light sources and detectors. The students will be given hand-on experience on handling fibres and in constructing specified optical fibre sensors. Three revision sessions will be held just prior to the open-book examination.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module the student should be able to:
Appreciate the types of reinforcing fibres and organic matrices available for composites.
Understand terms such as load-transfer, critical length, interfacial bond strength, coupling agents and cross-linking kinetics.
Appreciate conventional techniques for processing composites and test methods to assess the properties of composites.
Understand typical damage initiation and propagation modes in composites.
Appreciate the technology associated with optical fibre, sensors and associated instrumentation.
Discuss how the properties of the lightguide can be used to construct sensors for process monitoring of composites and also to assess the structural integrity.
Discuss how the properties of composites can be modified.
Discuss the recycling of composite materials.
Assessment
21364-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%)
21364-03 : Literature Review : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
One hour written exam (50%), Coursework (50%)
Other
Reading List
"IIntroduction to composite materials", D Hull and TW Clyne, Cambridge University Press, 1996. ISBN: 521381908.
"Smart materials technologies", M Addington and D Schodek, Elsevier, Architectural Press, (2005). ISBN: 9780150662253.
"Engineering Materials 2", M F Ashby and D R H Jones, Elsevier, Butterworth-Heinemann, (1986), Third edition. ISBN: 9780750663816
"Materials selection in mechanical design", M F Ashby, Elsevier, Butterworth-Heinemann (1992). ISBN: 750661682
"Instrumentation and control systems", W Bolton, Elsevier, Newnes, (2004). ISBN: 750664320
