Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Objectives To attain a detailed understanding of the basis behind the selection of polymers for specific applications and the properties required for their application.
Synopsis Multiphase polymer materials; structure/properties of polymer blends and foamed polymers; production and properties of structural (integral) foams; causes and effects of polymer orientation; polymer composite structures; composite geometry, use of laminar analysis in design and their manufacture; orthotropic elasticity, orientation and dependence of strength, failure criteria, fracture of composites. Polymer classifications and applications; design and materials selection; properties and applications of thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers; design for stiffness/creep resistance, strength/toughness; thermal dependence of properties in design; properties important in design: chemical and electrical factors, friction, wear; problem based learning exercise.