Last modified: 31 Jul 2023 11:19
Advanced materials underpin many industry sectors and are viewed as one of the key enabling technologies that can help address environmental, economic and social challenges the society is facing. Lightweight materials such as composites applied to vehicles, structures and devices can help reduce energy consumption and emissions, and increase energy efficiency. The aim of this course is introduce students to the mechanical behaviour of composite materials and the design of structures made of composites.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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Course Aims
To introduce students to the mechanical behaviour of composites materials and the design of structures made of composites.
Main Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course students should:
A) have knowledge and understanding of:
• The basic concepts, characteristics and advantages of composite materials
• Physical and mathematical models that describe mechanical behaviour of fibre-reinforced composites
• How the properties of a unidirectional fibre-reinforced composites and a multidirectional composite laminate are derived from the properties of constituents
• How the response of fibre-reinforced composite materials to applied loading depends on the fibre orientation
• How composites fail
B) have gained intellectual skills so that they are able to:
• Analyse composite materials on different scales
• Use stress-strain relationships for unidirectional lamina and multidirectional laminate
• Determine stiffness properties of a unidirectional lamina and multidirectional laminate
• Apply appropriate failure criteria to composites
• Understand the basic principles of composite materials design
C) have gained practical skills so that they are able to:
• Solve engineering problems of some complexity which involve unidirectional composites and composite laminates
• Use library and internet resources effectively
Course Content
The course will begin with a comprehensive review of basic concepts and characteristics of modern composite materials, their manufacturing and applications. The course will then focus on the mechanical behaviour of fibre-reinforced composite materials at different length scales. It will examine elastic deformation of unidirectional lamina and multidirectional composite laminates, including stress-strain relations, determination of stiffness and strength, and failure mechanisms exhibited under various types of loading and environmental condiitons. Implications for design of composite structures such as beams, plates, pipes and sandwich panels will also be discussed.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
Timed online test (40%)
Online open book exam (60%)
There are no assessments for this course.
| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Remember | ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide. |
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