Plastic and Composite Materials
About the Program
Students in this certificate program will be exposed to both design and manufacturing considerations of plastics and composite materials. Particular emphasis will be given to the materials for automotive applications. Processes, properties and design of the materials will be examined, and characteristics of the materials manufactured from different processes will be discussed. (12 credit hours)
The certificate can be completed entirely on campus, entirely online, or through a combination of on-campus and online courses.
Course Descriptions
This course discusses the injection molding process in depth, including the new developments, such as gas-assisted injection molding. Additionally, this course discusses the properties of injection molded design considerations for injection molded parts. (3 credits)
Mechanical behavior of polymers and ceramics are considered in relation to their structures, processing and applications. Emphasis is given on their deformation, fatigue and fracture characteristics. Strengthening mechanisms for both materials are discussed. Graduate standing or special permission. (3 credits)
The emphasis in this course is on automotive composites, such as SMC, RTM and RIM. In addition to properties of these materials, this course covers the manufacturing processes, design considerations and test methods, as well as quality control techniques, used for automotive composites. (3 credits)
This course will consider four different aspects of composite materials; namely, materials, mechanics, manufacturing and design. Recent developments on fiber reinforced plastics and metals will be covered. Fundamental analytical concepts on micro and macro mechanics will be emphasized to create a better understanding of the design principles of composite materials.
Learning Goals and Outcomes
- Students will be able to better understand the design principles of composite materials.
- Students will have knowledge in the manufacturing processes, design considerations and test methods, as well as quality control techniques, used for automotive composites.
- Students will have knowledge in the properties of injection molded design considerations for injection molded parts.
- Students will have knowledge in the design and manufacturing considerations of plastics and composite materials.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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ME 582 |
Various Semesters |
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ME 584 |
Various Semesters |
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ME 587 |
Various Semesters |
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ME 589 |
Various Semesters |