Unit information: Laminate analysis, modelling and design of composites in 2016/17

Unit name	Laminate analysis, modelling and design of composites
Unit code	AENGM0031
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Academic Year (weeks 1 - 52)
Unit director	Dr. Farrow
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None.
Co-requisites	None.
School/department	Department of Aerospace Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit forms part of the taught component of the EngD programme in Composites Manufacture. The purpose of the unit is to equip the student with the basic essential tools for analysis and prediction of the elastic and failure properties of laminated composites. It will initiate the familiarisation process for use of commercially available laminate analysis packages, with the view of use in an industry context. The role of laminate analysis in design and more complex modelling of the mechanical behaviour of laminated composites, will be explored.

The aims of this unit are to:

• Introduce and demonstrate methods, data and software tools for the analysis of laminates and structures made from laminates under mechanical and thermal loading.
• Provide the basic means of estimating the effects of the change of constituents and lay-up on the orthotropic elastic properties of laminated composites and the resulting response of structures made from laminated composites under mechanical and thermal loading.

Intended Learning Outcomes

The students will be able to:

• Understand the basic issues and methodologies involved in the selection of composite constituents and lay-up for specific structural applications.
• Estimate stiffness and strength of laminated composites as functions of lay-up and constituent materials and the resulting effect on structural response.
• Demonstrate appropriate use of data and software tools for laminate analysis including commercially available packages.

The learning outcomes align to A1 and B2 of the UK-SPEC.

Teaching Information

Lectures, illustrations and demonstrations, class exercises.

Assessment Information

Assignment: Assessed examples or case study (100%)

Reading and References

"An introduction to composite materials" by D Hull and T W Clyne, 2nd edition, CUP
"Introduction to composite materials design" by Barbero, AIAA Education series ISBN:0-930403-11-8