Intellectual outputs

This module evaluates current and emerging advanced engineering materials used in polymer and metal for rapid manufacturing and prototyping technologies.

The aim is to develop a critical understanding of how these materials can be employed, exploited and investigated for strength and durability having been used in additive based manufacturing. The full range of investigative measures are considered including destructive and non-destructive investigations.

Methods and approaches

The module aims to develop knowledge in:

• Understanding of materials science necessary for the design analysis and manufacturing of mechanical components and to understand future developments in advanced materials and associated manufacturing technologies.
• Understanding the design processes and methodologies that are required for manufacturing using advanced materials for processes such as AM and the ability to apply and adapt them in unfamiliar situations,
• Understanding to generate innovative designs and prototypes using advanced materials and manufacturing processes to fulfil new needs and bespoke product specifications.
• Analyse case study data in order to select and apply advanced materials and manufacturing techniques taking into account a range of commercial and industrial constraints.

Competences to be developed by students:

The module will present students with the available tools and competences associated with the classification and characterization of materials such as but not exclusively:

• Use and application SEM and relevant detectors ;
• Use and function of fatigue analysis ;
• Application of tensile and impact for use in classification;
• Investigative destructive methodologies for assessment of microstructure and material chemical composition;
• Surface finish measurement and implications.

Innovation:

Project work will be the central pillar of this module. Industrially relevant case study material will be used to emulate real life components and failure modes to stimulate the investigative practices needed to understand the type of failure mode together with the necessary redesign needed in order to prevent the recurrence of the quality issue being investigated. Innovative delivery methods will be developed for the case study project where the virtual learning platform can be exploited and investigation can be on going in multiple locations transnationally, and the results shared and disseminated in a European distributed group environment.

Impact:

Open educational practice available for replication potentially in all engineering HE institutions in Europe.

Transferability potential:

The intention is that this module and its content will be used for the Masters award and in addition can be used as a standalone module for CPD, upskilling and a platform for industry to develop new materials for product manufacture associated with ALM processes.​