Course syllabus - Lightweight Design

Objectives

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

Learning outcomes

After completed the course, the student shall be able to:

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

Course content

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

Tuition

Teaching and learning take place by means of lectures, seminars, laboratory sessions, and study visits at leading companies. 

Specific requirements

Basic course in materials technology 7,5 credits, basic course in Mechanics 7,5 credits, basic course in Solid Mechanics 7,5 credits and Computer Aided Product Development 7,5 hp. In addition Swedish course B/Swedish course 3 and English course A/English course 6 are required. For courses given entirely in English exemption is made from the requirement in Swedish course B/Swedish course 3.

Examination

Laboration (LAB1), Laboratory work in lightweight design, 1,5 hp, (examines the learning objectives 4 and 5), marks Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Project (PRO1), 3 credits, (examines the learning objectives 2, 4 and 5), marks Fail (U) or Pass (G)
Written examination (TEN1), 3 credits, (examines the learning objectives 1, 2, 3 and 6), marks Fail (U), 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

Interim Regulations and Other Regulations

The course completely overlaps with KPP035 and PPU408, Lightweight Application.