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Illustrate the importance of thermoplastics and elastomers in complex systems such as cars or airplanes at present and define trends in utilisation of these materials for the future.
Aims
After the course the student is able to...
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Characterize polymeric materials (thermoplastics, elastomers and short fibre reinforced thermoplastics) in terms of processing, properties, degradation and failure .
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Define (material) specifications for the applications under combined thermal, mechanical, physical, chemical and/or dynamic loading conditions.
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Identify the polymeric material (including a specification of fillers/grade) that suits the defined specifications best.
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(Re)design a product/part with this material, taking its production process and service life conditions into account.
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This course is structured around current and future technologies in the use of polymeric materials in transportation. The basis of the course is the current technology used in e.g. cars, and in particular parts made from plastics and/or elastomers. In the assignment, the design and material choice of a single part such as engine mounts, sealings, hoses etc., has to be analysed according to their design, material choice, property profile and endurance in correlation to their functionality. The influence of the conditions whilst in service on the (mechanical) performance of part has to be take into account as well. Finally, the students have to (re)design a complete part of a car component, with a focus on the right choice of polymeric material choice. The basic knowledge will be transferred during classes on processing, dynamic, mechanical failure properties of thermoplastic and elastomeric materials. The assignment is designed such that the students have to elaborate more on the topics covered and the design and improvement of (industrial) polymeric parts. The students will have to transfer their knowledge via written report, oral presentation and discussion.
Examination:
The course will be assessed via multiple assignments. In the first part of the course, small assignments will test the content transferred of one or two classes. These assignments will have a pass/fail grading. The final assignment is fully responsible for the final grade of the course. This main/final assignment is assessed using the following method: the students have to work in groups with two persons. Each group has to summarize their results in a short report and to prepare a short presentation. Each group will receive the report of two or three other groups to read and provide with feedback. Each group will present their work to the two or three groups who scored their report, followed with a discussion. Each group will be graded by two or three other groups based on the report, presentations and discussion (and will grade two or three other groups). The final mark for this lab work will be decided upon by a member of the teaching staff, based on the grades and feedback given by the groups
Part of the course is an additional assignment for upgrading the course to a Post-Master level. The PDEng trainee must discuss the content of this additional assignment together with the lecturer of the course. Afterwards, the trainee needs a covering letter (see PDEng study guide) stating that he/she has rounded the course at post-master level. This form must be signed by both the lecturer of the course and the PDEng programme director, and a scan must be uploaded in ProDoc.
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