MAE 4130

Mechanics of Composite Structures

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2024-2025 Catalog.

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.

Outcomes

• Students will be able to understand the advantages, the potential applications associated with several classes of composite materials.
• Students will be able to conduct critical mechanical analyses associated with the deformation and failure of composites accounting specifically for stiffness and strength anisotropy.
• Students will be able to understand mechanical tests employed to measure composite elastic moduli and strength.
• Students will be able to properly select composite materials for mechanical designs.

When Offered Spring.

Satisfies Requirement Satisfies senior design requirement if enrolled in MAE 4131.

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