Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives To develop a basic understanding of solid polymer mechanical behaviour. To impart the ability to perform simple calculations relating to polymer engineering applications and a sufficient understanding of polymer materials to communicate with other scientists and engineers.
Synopsis Temperature dependence of mechanical properties; single relaxation time model; structural approach to single relaxation time model; distribution of relaxation times; Boltzmann superposition; time-temperature superposition; vulcanisation and reinforcement of elastomers; theory of rubber elasticity; yielding; crazing; polymer toughening; mechanical properties of composites; strength, modulus and stiffness; rule of mixtures and orientation dependence; stress transfer between fibre and matrix; energy dissipation during fracture; laminate theory.