MAE 4131

Mechanics of Composite Structures

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2017-2018 Catalog.

Covers the fundamentals of mechanical analysis and material selection for composite materials. Topics include an overview of composite types, advantages, applications and fabrication; anisotropic elasticity; specific composite constitutive equations including plane stress and lamination theory; failure analysis; boundary value problems using composite materials; experimental methods and an introduction to micromechanics. Lectures cover essential background material and theoretical developments. Labs provide hands-on experiences for understanding composite materials properties and performance. Senior Design report required.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: MAE 3270, strictly enforced. 

Permission Note Enrollment limited to: senior standing or permission of instructor.

Outcomes

• Students will understand the advantages, the potential applications and the fabrication methods associated with several classes of composite materials.
• Be able to conduct critical mechanical analyses associated with the deformation and failure of composites accounting specifically for characteristic property anisotropy.
• Be able to approximate composite mechanical properties based on properties of constituent phases. Understand mechanical tests employed to measure composite properties.
• Be able to properly select composite materials for mechanical designs and to understand the advantages and liabilities of employing composites over monolithic materials.

When Offered Fall.

Satisfies Requirement Fulfills Senior Design requirement.

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