B1982 - Laboratory of technologies for polymer composites P

Learning outcomes

The laboratory aims to provide practical knowledge in the field of Polymeric Composite Materials Technologies. At the end of the course the student is able to:
-deal with the choice of composite materials and production technologies according to their application; 
-know the practical differences (characteristics, execution methods, limits) in the production of components in polymer composite materials through the main technologies; 
-know the practical phases of production of a metal or composite material mold; 
-apply process simulations to the production of composite material components; 
-have a general vision on the life cycle management of composite materials in the circular economy.

Course contents

Polymer Composite Components Manufacturing Technologies

Practical experience in the production of composite components through the main technologies: Manual Lamination (Hand Lay-up), Manual Lamination and Bag Compaction (Vacuum Bag Molding), Resin Injection Processes: Resin Transfer Molding (RTM) – Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) – High Pressure Resin Transfer Molding (HP-RTM); Vacuum Infusion Processing (VIP), Compression Molding (Prepregs or short fibers SMC/BMC). Autoclave. Other technologies: Filament Winding, Pressure bag molding).

Production of components in monolithic composite material or sandwich structures.

The practical experiences will be carried out partly at the UniBo laboratories and partly through 'immersive' days in the connected companies that have agreed to support the laboratory activities.

Practical experience in the production of metal moulds using the design sequence, CAM, milling, finishing or composite moulds using the sequence: pattern milling, pattern adjustment, mould rolling, mould care, mould finishing.

FEM simulation of resin injection processes: operation of commercial software, definition of input parameters, experimental measurement techniques of input data, simulation execution, analysis of output data.

Readings/Bibliography

As a Laboratory, no textbook is provided.

However, students must have followed and passed the tests related to modules 1, 2 and 3 of safety.

Teaching methods

Practical activities in Laboratories  or production lines. 

Assessment methods

The exam aims to verify the achievement of the educational objectives.

The exam consists of the practical implementation of the exercises proposed during the course and their critical analysis.

Preparation of a technical/synthetic report on the laboratory activities carried out.

Teaching tools

Students must have followed and passed the tests related to modules 1, 2 and 3 of safety.

Office hours

See the website of Lorenzo Donati