MEC 4676 - Composite Materials

• Define a composite material
• Identify common matrix and reinforcement materials
• Describe common composite manufacturing methods
• Predict elastic properties of continuous fiber composite lamina using micromechanical models
• Predict elastic properties of short fiber and particulate composites using micromechanical models
• Utilize indicial notation to describe anisotropic material response
• Execute a change of basis transformation between coordinate systems
• Calculate elastic properties of composite laminates using macromechanical models
• Predict failure of composite laminates subject to multi-axial loading
• Quantify deformations and warping which result from residual manufacturing stresses and hygrothermal effects

• Elastic response of isotropic materials
• Failure theories and modes for isotropic materials
• Atomic structures and general material properties of polymers, metals, and ceramics
• Elementary linear algebra

• Common composite materials and compositions
• Composite manufacturing processes
• Prediction of elastic properties of continuous fiber composite laminae, short fiber composites, and particulate composites using micromechanical models
• Indicial notation
• Elasticity of anisotropic materials
• Classical lamination theory for composite laminates
• Strength prediction for composite laminates
• Hygrothermal stress effects
• Modern composites in application