Mechanics of composite materials

lmeca2640  2021-2022  Louvain-la-Neuve

Mechanics of composite materials
5.00 credits
30.0 h + 30.0 h
Q2
Teacher(s)
Doghri Issam;
Language
English
Main themes
Composite materials, especially fiber-reinforced ones, are increasingly used in numerous industrial sectors (e.g., aerospace, automotive, sporting equipment) where the technological advances require combined properties that no classical homogeneous material has. The objective of this course is to introduce the students to the methods of analysis and computation which enable the design of structures or products made of composite materials. This is why the course will develop micro-mechanically based approaches, anisotropic elasticity, the theory of laminates, etc.
Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

1 In consideration of the reference table AA of the program "Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering", this course contributes to the development, to the acquisition and to the evaluation of the following experiences of learning:
  • AA1.1, AA1.2, AA1.3
  • AA2.1, AA2.2, AA2.3
  • AA3.2, AA3.3
  • AA5.1, AA5.2, AA5.5
  • AA6.1, AA6.2
Introduce the students to the basic concepts of the mechanics of composite materials in order to enable them to design structures and products made of those advanced materials.
 
Content
Chap. 1 Composite materials: types, properties, applications, fibers, matrices, forming processes.
Chap. 2 Micro-mechanics approaches (homogenization theories).
Chap. 3 Anisotropic elasticity.
Chap. 4 Behavior of a single layer (micro- and macro-mechanics).
Chap. 5 Classical laminate theory: constitutive equations, strength criteria, simple computation methods, inter-laminar stresses and edge effects.
Chap. 6 Bending, vibration and buckling of anisotropic laminated plates. Basic equations and energy methods (finite elements).
Chap. 7 Hygro-thermo-elasticity.
Chap. 8 Experimental methods for material properties measurement.
Teaching methods
Mini-project 1 : solving a simple problem with analytical methods.
Mini-project 2 : design of composite materials or structures using commercial software.
Mini-project 3 : read and comment a scientific article.
Evaluation methods
Examination written or oral. Final grade: 50% examination and 50% mini-projects.
Faculty or entity
MECA


Programmes / formations proposant cette unité d'enseignement (UE)

Title of the programme
Sigle
Credits
Prerequisites
Learning outcomes
Master [120] in Mechanical Engineering

Master [120] in Chemical and Materials Engineering

Master [120] in Electro-mechanical Engineering

Master [120] in Civil Engineering