ME 127: Composite Materials--Analysis, Design, Manufacture (3 units)
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
Properties and microstructure of high-strength fiber materials (glass, carbon, polymer, ceramic fibers) and matrix materials (polymer, metal, ceramic, and carbon matrices). Specific strength and stiffness of high-performance composites. Rule of mixtures. Stress, strain transformations. Elastic properties of a single orthotropic ply. Laminated plate theory. Failure criteria. Design of composite structures and components. Manufacturing processes. |
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Civil Engineering 130 or equivalent course in mechanics of materials; Engineering 36 and 45.
TEXTBOOK(S) AND/OR OTHER
REQUIRED MATERIAL
A reader comprising of selections from the following textbooks is
required material for this course:
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1. Introduction to composite materials, by Hull and Clyne
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2. Mechanics of composite materials, by Robert Jones
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3. Composite materials by P. K. Mallick
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4. ASM composite materials handbook
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The course objectives are to train students to be
able to design composite structures, select
composite materials, conduct stress analyses
of selected practical applications using
laminated plate theories and appropriate strength
criteria, and be familiar with the properties
and response of composite structures subjected
to mechanical loading under static and cyclic conditions.
DESIRED COURSE OUTCOMES
Students completing the course will have the
facility for designing robust composite structures
subjected to combined loading, including driveshafts,
pressure vessels, sandwich panels, and leaf springs.
The students will also be able to assess the
effects of long-term loading, including damage generation,
delamination fracture and fatigue failure.
TOPICS COVERED
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Review of mechanics of materials
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2. Fibers - types, properties and manufacture
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3. Matrix materials
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4. Generalized Hooke's law
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5. Estimates of moduli
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6. Analysis of a lamina
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7. Laminated plate theory
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8. Orthotropic laminates
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9. Thin-walled approximations
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10. Strength theories
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11. Design of laminates
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12. Design of selected applications
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13. Manufacturing processes
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14. Test methods
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15. Sandwich panels - strength and design
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16. Joints and inserts
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17. Damage in composites
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18. Fatigue of composite materials
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19. Designing against fatigue and fracture
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20. Metal and ceramic matrix composites
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21. Case studies and applications
CLASS/LABORATORY SCHEDULE
Three hours of lecture per week.
CONTRIBUTION OF THE COURSE TO
MEETING THE PROFESSIONAL COMPONENT
A project comprising of the design of a composite component is assigned. The project is based on input from industry involving problems arising from practical applications of composite materials in industrial structural applications, such as, for example, the substitution of composites for metals for mass savings and improved performance.
RELATIONSHIP OF THE COURSE TO ABET PROGRAM OUTCOMES
These are that our graduates have:
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering;
an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs;
an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems;
an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility;
a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning;
an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern
engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT PROGRESS TOWARD COURSE OBJECTIVES
Weekly homework assignments, two in-class examinations and a detailed design project report provide an assessment of progress toward the course objectives.
PERSON(S) WHO PREPARED THIS DESCRIPTION:
Hari Dharan
