Undergraduate Module Catalogue

AVIA3090 Composites and Non-Metallic Materials for Aircraft

Module manager: Dr DC Peacock
Email: d.c.peacock@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: invalid View Timetable

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Composites and non-metallic materials are being increasingly considered and chosen for the construction of aircraft structures and components. This module aims to give the students the ability to make informed choices regarding the use of composites and non-metallic materials in aircraft.

Objectives

The module aims to equip students with a knowledge of the processing-structure-properties relationship in the design of composites and non-metallic materials and why these materials are selected above other materials in aircraft design and manufacture.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. Describe the structure of composites and non-metallic materials.
2. Test composites and non-metallic materials to determine their properties and explain how these are derived from the materials structure.
3. Quote typical property values for composites and non-metallic materials.
4. Describe and explain the benefits of the manufacturing processes for composites and non-metallic materials.
5. Describe and explain the rationale behind the testing, repair and maintenance of composites and non-metallic materials.
6. Explain the rationale behind the choice of composites and non-metallic materials in the design and manufacture of aircraft.
7. Analyse and evaluate the use of composites and non-metallic materials in an aircraft component.

Skills outcomes
Students acquire the following competencies in the module. In each case, the means of acquiring the competency is shown. These competencies correspond with those specified in "The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes", Third edition, Engineering Council, 2014. . P = Practiced Actively, F = Formatively Assessed, S = Summatively Assessed.
SM1: HOW MANIFESTED: S through application to analyse laboratory investigation and also through the final exam.
SM2: HOW MANIFESTED: F through regular problem sheets. S in analysis of data obtained from laboratory investigations or found from another source.
SM3: HOW MANIFESTED: P through in class discussions.
EA1: HOW MANIFESTED: Core aspect of the module. P through in class problems and discussions. F through regular problem sheets. S through laboratory investigations and final exam.
EA2: HOW MANIFESTED: Core aspect of the module. P through in class problems and discussions. F through regular problem sheets. S through laboratory investigations and final exam.
EA3: HOW MANIFESTED: Core aspect of the module. P through in class problems and discussions. F through regular problem sheets. S through laboratory investigations and final exam.
EA4: HOW MANIFESTED: Aircraft design is a multifaceted process (materials, aerodynamics, stability and control, etc.). P through in class discussions and case studies.
D1: HOW MANIFESTED: P through in class discussions.
D2: HOW MANIFESTED: P through in class problems and discussions. F through regular problem sheets. S through final exam.
D3: HOW MANIFESTED: P through in class problems and discussions. F through regular problem sheets. S through final exam.
ELSEE 4: HOW MANIFESTED: P through in class problems and discussions.
ELSEE 6: HOW MANIFESTED: P through in class problems and discussions.
EP2: HOW MANIFESTED: Core aspect of the module. P through in class problems and discussions. F through regular problem sheets. S through laboratory investigations and final exam.
EP6: HOW MANIFESTED: S through laboratory investigations.

Syllabus

Rationale behind the use of and examples of the use of composites and non-metallic materials in aircraft.
Structure and properties - Fibre (carbon, glass, Kevlar) reinforced composites, laminates, sandwich, polymers, elastomers, ceramics.
Manufacturing processes and their effects on structure and properties - autoclave, layering, defects, joining and bonding.
Testing - validation and verification (aviation authority regulations).
Repair and maintenance.
Case study of use - flaps, wing.
New developments - thermoplastic blends.
Laboratory - investigating the manufacturing and properties of composites.

Private study

Students will review the lecture notes and work through weekly problem sheets which will be reviewed in the tutorial sessions.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Through in-class discussions, marks given for weekly formative problem sheets and through the tutorial sessions.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 10/08/2020 08:43:52

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