Unit information: Mechanics of Composite Materials in 2020/21

Unit name	Mechanics of Composite Materials
Unit code	AENGM0053
Credit points	10
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Ivanov
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	For students with no engineering background: elements of elasticity theory and introductory knowledge of mechanics of materials covered in Structural Analysis and Advanced Composite Materials.
School/department	Department of Aerospace Engineering
Faculty	Faculty of Engineering

Description including Unit Aims

This unit aims at developing a fundamental understanding of the mechanical performance of composites through modelling of materials and stiffness properties at various scales using micromechanics and laminate theories, and through experimental characterisation, and data acquisition and analysis. Students acquire practical skills for composite analysis and composite materials testing.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. Design experiments for composite property identification.
2. Critically assess various strain measurement techniques.
3. Process and analyse experimental data.
4. Perform finite element simulation of composite samples and simple composite structures.
5. Validate numerical simulations based on appropriate numerical approaches.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions, including lectures, practical activities supported by drop-in sessions, problem sheets and self-directed exercises.

Assessment Information

Summative assessment: 100% coursework

Reading and References

• Process and Mechanical Modelling of Engineering Composites, A. Pickett, 2018
• Polymer Composites in the Aerospace Industry, P.E. Irving and C. Soutis, Editors. 2015,
• Elsevier Woodhead: Cambridge. Micromechanics of Composite Materials, Aboudi J., Arnold S.M., Bednarcyk B.A., Elsevier, 2013
• Appropriate journal paper references are supplied on the lectures for each component of the course.