Course in Advanced Materials for Ceramic and Composite Armour
Online 300 h course in advanced materials for ceramic and composite armour. 6 modules covering STANAG 4569 (vehicle protection levels), NIJ Standard 0101.06 (ballistic resistance of body armour) and LS-DYNA. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the fundamentals of materials science applied to protection.
Compare the properties of technical ceramics used in protection.
Analyse the behaviour of high-performance fibre composites.
Describe hybrid systems and their manufacturing processes.
Interpret test standards and protection classification.
Apply numerical simulation to the study of materials under impact.
Develop a justified material selection project.
Who it's for
- Materials engineer who wants to specialise in Advanced Materials for Ceramic and Composite Armour.
- Numerical simulation engineer who wants to specialise in Advanced Materials for Ceramic and Composite Armour.
- Composite materials researcher who wants to specialise in Advanced Materials for Ceramic and Composite Armour.
- Materials testing technician who wants to specialise in Advanced Materials for Ceramic and Composite Armour.
- Protection product engineer who wants to specialise in Advanced Materials for Ceramic and Composite Armour.
- R&D manager in technical ceramics who wants to specialise in Advanced Materials for Ceramic and Composite Armour.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the defence industry.
What you'll work with
- STANAG 4569 (vehicle protection levels)
- NIJ Standard 0101.06 (ballistic resistance of body armour)
- ASTM C1327 (Vickers hardness of advanced ceramics)
- ASTM C1161 (flexural strength of advanced ceramics)
- ASTM D3039 (tensile properties of polymer matrix composites)
- EN 1522 (bullet resistance of windows and doors)
- VPAM APR 2006 (ballistic protection)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Structure-property relationship1.2Mechanical properties: hardness, toughness and modulus1.3Dynamic behaviour at high strain rates1.4Shock waves in solids1.5Fracture mechanics1.6Split Hopkinson pressure bar test (SHPB)1.7Taylor impact test1.8Density and mass efficiency1.9Material selection with Ashby charts1.10Workshop: Ashby chart for protection materials
2.1Alumina and its grades2.2Silicon carbide2.3Boron carbide2.4Nitrides and other ceramics2.5Processing: sintering, hot pressing and reaction bonding2.6Microstructure and grain size2.7Dynamic failure mechanisms in ceramics2.8Vickers and Knoop hardness tests2.9Quality control and defects2.10Laboratory: microstructural analysis of ceramics using published SEM images
3.1Aramid fibres: Kevlar and Twaron3.2Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene3.3S2 glass fibres3.4Thermoset and thermoplastic matrices3.5Fabrics and unidirectional laminates3.6Energy absorption mechanisms3.7Delamination and interlaminar damage3.8Effect of temperature and humidity3.9Ageing and service life3.10Practical exercise: calculating the properties of a laminate
4.1Principles of ceramic-backing systems4.2Adhesives and bonding4.3Ceramic confinement4.4High-entropy materials and nanocomposites4.5Additive manufacturing of ceramics4.6Non-destructive testing: ultrasound and X-ray4.7Repairability and maintenance4.8Recycling and end of life4.9Occupational health in powder and fibre processing4.10Case study: ultrasonic inspection of a composite panel
5.1Characterisation standards: ASTM C1327 and C14215.2ASTM D3039 for composites5.3Reference to STANAG 4569 and NIJ 0101.065.4Material models in simulation5.5Calibration of models with test data5.6Uncertainty and material variability5.7Supplier certification5.8Export control of materials5.9Civil applications: police vests and civil armoured vehicles5.10Workshop: material characterisation plan
6.1Defining the requirements of the case study6.2Preselection with Ashby charts6.3Comparison of ceramics and composites6.4Characterisation plan6.5Manufacturability and cost analysis6.6Environmental and health assessment6.7Regulatory review6.8Justified recommendation6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is LS-DYNA, Ansys Autodyn, Abaqus, Ansys Granta Selector, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real mechanical characterisation procedures in a materials laboratory, numerical impact simulation and fractographic analysis. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the fundamentals of materials science applied to protection.
Compare the properties of technical ceramics used in protection.
Analyse the behaviour of high-performance fibre composites.
Describe hybrid systems and their manufacturing processes.
Interpret test standards and protection classification.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme is 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with LS-DYNA, Ansys Autodyn, Abaqus and Ansys Granta Selector. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative when one exists.
An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be recognised towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Restoration Course for Classic 2-Wheel BMW Motorcycles
Online 300 h course in restoration of classic 2-wheel BMW motorcycles. 6 modules with the FIVA Turin Charter, FIVA Technical Code and advanced Excel (engine measurements).…
Course in Claims Cost Reduction Strategies
Online 300-hour course in claims cost reduction strategies. 6 modules covering the Spanish Insurance Contract Law 50/1980 (art. 43, subrogation), Law 35/2015 (valuation scale for damages…
Course on Modelling Neutron Transport in Fuel
Online 300 h course in modelling neutron transport in fuel. 6 modules covering ENDF-6 Format (evaluated nuclear data), ANSI/ANS-10.4 (V&V of nuclear scientific software) and NJOY2016.…
More in Restoration & Classics
All Restoration & Classics programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships