ENGINEERING TRIPOS PART IIB - 2012/2013

Module 4C2 - Designing with Composites

AIMS

To develop a systematic approach to design with composites based on mechanical properties and to understand the practical considerations associated with design, manufacture and service requirements.

LECTURE SYLLABUS

Introduction and processing (1L, Dr. A.E. Markaki)

• Introduction
• Fabrication technology

Elastic behaviour of laminates (5L, Dr. A.E. Markaki) )

• Elastic deformation of composites (stiffness bounds) and material property charts.
• On and off-axis elastic constants of laminates.
• Elastic deformation of laminates.

 Designing against failure (4L, Prof. N. A. Fleck)

• Underlying mechanisms of yield and failure for laminate. Strength of a single ply.
• Failure of laminates. Strength models. Splitting and delamination. Composite toughness.
• Testing methods.

 Practical Laminate Design (3L, Prof. N. A. Fleck)

• Laminate design methods. Carpet plots. Case studies.
• Composite Compressive Strength Modeller software.

COURSEWORK (10 hours)

Establish design criteria for a simple structure. Apply design methods to select laminate, using Composite Compressive Strength Modeller software. Consider practical considerations to outline a detailed design.

 OBJECTIVES

As specific objectives, by the end of the module students should:

• Be familiar with the range of composite systems in use;
• Be able to derive and use formulae to bound composite material properties;
• Be able to perform simple laminate analysis by hand, and more complex analysis with the help of appropriate software;
• Be familiar with the use of carpet plots to choose laminates based on stiffness;
• Understand the detailed mechanisms of lamina and laminate failure;
• Be able to use strength models of failure for lamina and laminates;
• Describe design processes commonly used for composite structures;
• Be familiar with the manufacturing routes for composites;
• Be able to use selection charts to select an appropriate manufacturing route.
• Understand the practical requirements associated with joining, manufacture and service use.

REFERENCES

Please see the Booklist for Group C Courses for references for this module.

Last updated: August 2012