Course syllabus - Lightweight Application

Objectives

The objective of the course is to provide knowledge about principles and methods for the construction of lightweight applications, as well as knowledge about materials technology, construction technology, and manufacturing technology for lightweight applications.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

- give an account of the properties of different lightweight construction materials and be able to develop lightweight constructions out of lightweight materials such as polymeric materials, aluminium, magnesium and titanium alloys, as well as fibre-based composites and sandwich materials
- develop lightweight steel constructions with strong and super-strong steels
- give an account of production methods for composite and sandwich constructions
- choose materials with the aid of computers (materials databases)
- make use of technical calculation software as a help in construction and dimensioning
- give an account of authentic cases from different technical areas such as aeronautics, vehicles, weapons, and sports
- carry out analyses for the optimization of a product with respect to e.g. weight, volume, and cost

Course content

- polymeric materials and plastic constructions
- constructions made of aluminium alloys and other lightweight metal alloys
- lightweight constructions of steel; strong and super-strong steels and their applications
- composite and sandwich constructions and their production methods
- the use of materials databases and technical calculation software
- guest lectures and study visits on leading-edge technology
- laboratory sessions with calculations, production and testing of fibre laminate and sandwich beams
- a minor project whose main objective is to analyze and optimize a product with respect to e.g. weight, volume and cost, and to verify the calculations with tests.

Tuition

Teaching and learning take place by means of lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, and study visits at leading companies. Individual studies and information searches can occur.

Examination

Participation (NÄR1), Mandatory attendance 80% of scheduled activities., 1.5 credits, marks Pass (G)
Project (PRO1), Hand-in assignment/project/laboratory sessions., 3 credits, marks Pass (G)
Examination (TEN1), Written exam., 3 credits, marks 3, 4 or 5

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass with credit, Pass, Fail