MAE 4130 - Mechanics of Composite Structures

Spring. 3 credits. Letter grades only.

Satisfies senior design requirement if enrolled in MAE 4131. Co-meets with MAE 4131/MAE 5135.

M. Miller.

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.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to understand the advantages, the potential applications associated with several classes of composite materials.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to conduct critical mechanical analyses associated with the deformation and failure of composites accounting specifically for stiffness and strength anisotropy.

Outcome 3: Students will be able to understand mechanical tests employed to measure composite elastic moduli and strength.

Outcome 4: Students will be able to properly select composite materials for mechanical designs.