MATS348 module handbook:
Composites Engineering (draft)

Module Summary: [from the Definitive Module Record]

This module introduces stress analysis and appropriate numerical methods in the context of composite materials, and
integrates the learning in a practical assignment to produce a prototype composite component.

Module Aims [from the Definitive Module Record]

  1. To integrate the learning from the Composites Design and Manufacture module to support the manufacture of real engineering composites.
  2. To produce a prototype composite engineering component as defined by an appropriate design specification.
  3. To extend the theoretical basis to more advanced topics and broader philosophical considerations.

Assessed Learning Outcomes [from the Definitive Module Record]

  1. Integrate the learning from the Composites Design and Composites Manufacture modules.
  2. Design and produce a prototype composite component with regard to regulatory frameworks and the principles of sustainable development.
  3. Extend the theoretical basis of composite materials to include more advanced topics and broader philosophical considerations.
  4. Apply appropriate design and analysis tools and techniques for laminated, anisotropic structures.
  5. Develop written communication, analysis, and teamwork, competences through practical work conducted in a professional manufacturing environment.
Schedule of Teaching Activities:

Teaching Week 01: 25-29 January 2027 Milestone: decide on a component
Lecture    Composite lamina analysis (single layer)

Teaching Week 02: 01-05 February 2027 Milestone: product design specification
Lecture    Composite laminate analysis (laminate stack)

Teaching Week 03: 08-12 February 2027 Milestone: individual design calculations and tooling concepts
Lecture    Composite failure anaysis

Teaching Week 04: 15-19 February 2027 Milestone: Agreed outline design, manufacturing route and testing programme
Lecture    Finite Element Analysis (FEA)/NAFEMS benchmark practice

Teaching Week 05: 22-26 February 2027
Tutorial    Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

Teaching Week 06: 01-05 March 2027 Milestone: Completion of mould tools for the component to be produced
Tutorial    

Teaching Week 07: 08-12 March 2027
Tutorial    

Teaching Week 08: 05-09 April 2027 Milestone: Submit a component for inspection/discussion with the course staff.
Tutorial    

Teaching Week 09: 12-16 April 2027 Milestone: A five minute video for peer review
Tutorial    

Teaching Week 10: 19-23 April 2027
Tutorial    

Teaching Week 11: 26-30 April 2027 Milestone: draft report for sanity check before submission
Tutorial    

Teaching Week 12: 03-07 May 2027
Bank Holiday Monday 03-May-2027    
Project Showcase Thursday 06-May-27   Project Open Day
DEADLINE Thursday 06-May-27 15:00 MooDLE  Coursework submission deadline (if no Extenuating Circumstances)

Feedback release Fri 04-Jun-26 15:00MooDLE  Generic feedback will be by e-mail,
with student specific feedback via pencil logo in MooDLE submission point (FeedbackStudio)

Summary of Assessment Information
  • C1: Choose a component, write a Product Design Specification (PDS), agree a design within the group, manufacture tooling,
    manufacture one or more prototypes, test against the PDS, and present the results as a report [100% of the module].
Staff Contact Details

PersonRoleOfficeE-mail

John Summerscales Module Leader/Professor of Composites Engineering Reynolds 008 J.Summerscales@plymouth.ac.uk
Luke BrancaSenior Technician - Composites Babbage 111 luke.branca@plymouth.ac.uk
Jeremy ClarkSenior Technician - Materials & Structures Babbage 108AJ.Clark@plymouth.ac.uk
Jahir RizviProgramme LeaderReynolds 014 mdjahir.rizvi@plymouth.ac.uk
Maozhou Meng Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering Reynolds 104 maozhou.meng@plymouth.ac.uk
Gill KavanaghFaculty SupportFaculty Office gillian.kavanagh@plymouth.ac.uk

Expectations on Students

  • Students should check e-mail on a regular basis as this will be the principal means of communication outside timetabled sessions.
     
  • Attendance at MATS347 lecture C4: Health and Safety is mandatory for students taking this module.
    If you do not attend then you will be barred from the laboratory sessions, so you will fail the coursework element of the module.
     
  • This module is governed by Academic Regulations,
    with Non-Standard Regulations at §12 of the Programme Specification
    to meet the accreditation requirements of the Professional Engineering Institutions:
    • The pass mark for a module at Levels 4 - 6 is 40%.
      Where module assessment involves more than one element,
      a student is also required to achieve a minimum of 30% in each element.
    • The maximum compensation allowed within each award is 20 credits for Level 4 modules (Stage One) only.
      This module cannot be compensated.

Created by John Summerscales on 21-Sep-2026 and updated on 23-Sep-2026 10:20.
Terms and conditions. Errors and omissions. Corrections.