Overview Outcomes Courses Admission Instructors

Program overview

Advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) are being increasingly used on many aircraft structures globally to improve performance and reduce weight. This program, offered jointly between Materials Science & Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, aims to improve core competencies to aid in producing reliable and cost-effective aircraft structural components. Students will acquire an in-depth knowledge of materials and state-of-the-art composite manufacturing processes, as well as key elements of quality control, specific tooling requirements and many faceted repair and maintenance approaches for composite structures.

This graduate certificate includes a comprehensive experiential learning component. This will involve analyzing real-world case studies, allowing students to apply the fundamental understanding covered in the class. The experience will also provide an opportunity to interact with subject matter experts, further deepening students' knowledge and understanding of the practical application of course material. This culmination of the course will ensure students are well equipped to face real-world challenges, effectively utilizing their learned knowledge of composite materials.

Learning outcomes

• Describe the differences between composite and metallic materials, the effects of environment, and the mechanical and physical properties of constituents (fibers and matrices).
• Summarize material selection approaches, methods and reasons for toughening polymers, and resin cure kinetics.
• Summarize micro-mechanics of composite materials and load transfer analysis.
• Describe manufacturing fundamentals, including design for manufacturing and maintenance the characterizing, dispositioning, and rework/repair of defects, closed and open mold composite manufacturing processes, and quality control.
• Characterize the application and importance of proper design and fabrication for various types of production tools, such as layup molds and secondary tooling.
• Explain the various issues associated with cost and producibility.

Courses

Complete the courses listed below to earn the certificate. You may be able to take individual courses without enrolling in the certificate program.

Course details

Admission requirements

Your application must include a resume or curriculum vitae, your statement of purpose and an unofficial transcript.

Admission requirements

Meet your instructors

In addition to regular course instructors, shown below, students will attend lectures and discussion forums with subject matter experts across industry.