| Unit name | Mechanics of Lightweight and Composite Structures |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CADEM0018 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Rainer Groh |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Composite Materials for Sustainability (AENGM0092) or Composite Design, Manufacture and Product Development (AENGM0091) or Structures and Materials 3 (AENG31200) or equivalent. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering |
Why is this unit important?
The design of efficient, lightweight structures is critical across a wide range of engineering disciplines; such structures are often slender and constructed from advanced materials such as fibre-reinforced composites. Their design envelope is governed either by localised material failure (e.g. fracture, delamination, etc.) or structural instabilities (i.e. buckling) inherent in the slender nature of these structures. This unit introduces students to the fundamental principles and analysis approaches used to model lightweight structures and composite materials, and students apply these methods using a commercial nonlinear finite element analysis software package.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This unit provides students with advanced knowledge of modelling lightweight structures and composite materials found in a wide range of industries including aerospace, energy, infrastructure and automotive.
An overview of content
This unit introduces students to fundamental principles and analysis approaches used to model lightweight structures and composite materials, and students apply these methods to a range of problems using a commercial finite element software package. The unit content covers the two general means of lightweighting structures; namely, the use of lightweight materials and the effective geometric arrangement of that material. Topics include the selection of appropriate finite element formulations for modelling composites, the use of numerical solvers for nonlinear structural analysis, introduction to structural stability, plate and shell buckling, sandwich panel design and space deployables. The unit focuses on applications where weight is of paramount importance, e.g. the aviation and space industries, and covers the canonical structural architectures in these applications.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will be able to perform more advanced analysis and design of lightweight structures aided by state-of-the-art computational methods and, supported by a fundamental understanding of underlying concepts and principles.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Discuss and apply fundamental concepts in the analysis of lightweight and composite structures;
2. Contrast capabilities and limitations of (semi-)analytical and numerical analysis methods, in order to critically evaluate and select appropriate modelling methods for the structural analysis of lightweight structures;
3. Analyse and evaluate the structural performance and strength of lightweight composite structures using numerical analysis methods.
Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous activities, which include lectures, supported computer labs and self-directed exercises.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
The numerical analysis of lightweight composite structures will be performed using commercial finite element analysis software in dedicated computer lab sessions with corresponding exercises. This provides the skills to perform the analyses in the summative coursework. Problem sheets will also be provided to prepare students for the analytical part of the summative coursework.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
[100%] – individual coursework report (ILO 1, 2, 3)
When assessment does not go to plan
A reassessment retains the same format as the original assessment.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CADEM0018).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
