UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT

MINOR TEST NO: 1

2022/1

EMT3701

ENGINEERING MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY II

Examiner: M Msibi Moderator: Z Shaikh

External Moderator: Y Kareem Marks: 50

Weight of Assessment: 10%

INSTRUCTIONS TO ALL STUDENTS

This paper consists of 2 pages including this front page

1. You may answer the questions in any order

2. Use three decimal places for your calculations
3. Use your own discretion where information is not given, unclear or
when discrepancies occur, add a note to substantiate your reasoning
4. Do not submit a read only file, it will not be marked
5. Encrypted or password files will not be marked
6. Your file must be a PDF

Welcome to the School of Engineering.

NB you may download your paper from the Moodle, myModule site!
QUESTION 1

1.1 Composites have unique advantages over monolithic materials and have
been classified as one of the best materials. List six of those unique
advantages of composites (6)
1.2 The technology of composite materials has experienced a rapid development
in the last four decades. Mention four of the underlying reasons and
motivations for this development (4)
1.3 Briefly explain what are Metal-Metrix Composites (MMC’s)? List at least two
attributes and applications of MMC’s. (6)
1.4 Define the following: fibre, matrix, lamina and laminate. (4)

[20]

QUESTION 2

2.1 Discuss what is compression moulding, the methodology and mention two
advantages of using this method. (10)
2.2 Describe one process that is used to manufacture CMCs. (5)

[15]

QUESTION 3

3.1 As an engineer, you are required to design an aligned carbon fibre/epoxy

matrix composite having a longitudinal tensile strength of 750 MPa.

Calculate the volume fraction of fibres necessary if:

3.1.1 the average fibre diameter and length are 1.2 x 10–2 mm and 1 mm,
respectively. (3)
3.1.2 the fibre fracture strength is 5000 MPa. (3)

3.1.3 the fibre-matrix bond strength is 25 MPa. (3)

3.1.4 the matrix stress at fibre failure is 10 MPa. (3)

3.2 Based on fibre length and orientation, three types of fibre-reinforced

composites are possible, mention three types of fibre-reinforce composites
(3)

[15]

TOTAL 50