Knowledge of transport phenomena and polymer physics and chemistry

This course is aimed to apply the basic knowledge of transport phenomena to the mathematical modeling of processing of composite materials.   Competences on thermosetting polymer matrices, their reactivity and the kinetics of curing are also provided. Basic elements of finite element (FE) numerical solution of heat balance equations is provided. The optimization of composite processing is performed adopting a FE tool. In the last part of the course sorption and mass diffusion in polymrs is analyzed as an application of the basic knowledge of transport phenomena

Knowledge and understanding:

The course provides the basis  of knowledge to understand and solve complex new problems  in materials processing and in mass and heat diffusion,  applying ideas often in a research context

Applying knowledge and understanding

The student will be able to solve heat and mass balances, applied to materials processing, using approximate solution or numerical methods. A multidisciplinary approach is presented accounting for chemical, materials and mechanical engineering aspects.

Making judgements

Dimensionless and approximate methods are presented in order to promote the judgement and evaluation capabilities of the students

Communication

The course promotes the development of the following skills of the student: ability to expose in precise and formal terms an abstract model of concrete problems, identifying the salient characteristics of them and discarding the inessential characteristics; ability to describe and analyze an efficient solution for the problem under consideration.

Learning skills

Autonomous learning is promoted thanks to the use of: different books and slides,  numerical methods, homework exercise to be solved in groups of two

Lessons

Oral examination

thermosetting composite matrices; reinforcement materials 

Slides

P.K. Mallick “Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Materials, Manufacturing, and Design”