Advanced Materials and Manufacturing

About

This module introduces you to the transformative and innovative field of advanced materials and nanomaterials, focusing on their applications in the electronics, energy and healthcare sectors.

You will be introduced to state-of-the-art material characterisation techniques, such as advanced microscopy and profilometry, to analyse properties at the nanoscale.

The module explores surface and particle nanoengineering, contrasting bottom-up and top-down fabrication methods, including cutting-edge advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and precision machining.

Highlighting successful nanotechnology applications, such as flexible electronics and energy storage devices, the module also introduces Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of materials and manufacturing processes.

Through hands-on mini projects, you will apply your knowledge to real-world challenges, gaining practical skills in sustainable material design and advanced manufacturing.

This comprehensive module equips you to innovate and address complex issues in materials science and manufacturing, sparking your curiosity and excitement for the field.

Week one
Introduction to advanced materials and nanomaterials
Materials characterisation techniques
Surface and particle nanoengineering: bottom-up versus top-down fabrication methods
Successful applications of nanotechnology in the electronics, energy and healthcare sectors
Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for engineers
Release of the mini project/challenge brief and assessment requirements

Week two
Introduction to soft matter, its applications and soft manufacturing
Introduction to composite materials and design for structural performance
Numerical application: hybrid synthesiser (design a composite material system to optimise performance, e.g. lightweight/stiff components)
Practical application and mechanical testing of composites
Reflection on learning so far and proposing an initial design for the mini project/challenge
Demonstration of CES software for LCA and product analysis

Week three
Introduction to advanced manufacturing, additive and subtractive manufacturing
Understanding sustainability in manufacturing
Practical training in 5-axis CNC machining, 3D printing and advanced metrology
Working in the lab on the mini project/challenge after choosing the manufacturing method and material
LCA of the developed products

Course leader

Dr Zareena Gani

Course aim

This module aims to:

- Provide a comprehensive understanding of material structures at both macro and nano scales and their crucial roles in determining material properties.
- Gain the analytical skills necessary to predict these properties, with a particular focus on materials used in advanced manufacturing processes.
- Emphasise the importance of making informed decisions regarding selecting suitable manufacturing techniques and integrating knowledge of scientific principles and cutting-edge approaches.
- Equip you with practical skills through hands-on experience with various advanced manufacturing methods, including those relevant to nano-engineering.
- Bridge theoretical concepts with practical application and prepare you to address complex engineering challenges through innovative, sustainable and ethically sound design practices.

Fee info