Introduction to Composite Materials
Imagine a material that offers mechanical properties that are competitive with aluminum and steel but are at fractions of their weight – these materials are termed as composites. Composite materials are used for many applications such as aircraft structures, biomedical devices, racing car bodies, and many others for their capability to be stronger, lighter, and cheaper when compared to traditional materials. In this class, students will delve into the theory to design composite structures, processing techniques to manufacture them, and structural testing methods for validation. Starting from traditional fiber-reinforced composite materials, this course will also bring in new concepts such as nanocomposites and bioinspired composites.
Topics
- 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.
- Students completing this course will have the facility for designing robust composite structures subjected to various types of loads. Students will also be able to assess the effects of long-term loading, including damage generation, delamination fracture and fatigue failure. Additionally, students will be exposed to how composites are used in various applications in aerospace, biomedical, sports, among other fields. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering. An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability. An ability to function on multi-disciplinary teams. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility. An ability to communicate effectively. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context. A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life-long learning. A knowledge of contemporary issues. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.
Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027