Composite materials
Graduate · Engineering
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Micromechanics and lamina behavior
- Fiber-matrix composite constituents and architectures
- Rule of mixtures and Halpin-Tsai estimates
- Orthotropic material properties and compliance matrix
- Classical lamination theory (CLT) assumptions
- Stress and strain in arbitrary lamina orientations
- Failure criteria: maximum stress and Tsai-Wu
- Interlaminar stresses and free-edge effects
- Fracture and delamination mechanics intro
- Fatigue of composite laminates
- Environmental effects: moisture and temperature
Laminate design and analysis
- Stacking sequence notation [0/90/±45]s
- Extension-shearing-coupling and bending-extension coupling
- Thermal and hygroscopic residual stresses
- Buckling of composite plates and shells
- Sandwich panels: facesheet and core mechanics
- Joint design: bonded and bolted attachments
- Damage tolerance and repair strategies
- Testing: tensile, compression, and ILSS standards
- Nondestructive inspection: ultrasonics and thermography
- Certification pathways in aerospace (FAA/EASA awareness)
STEM / applied
Manufacturing and applications
- Hand layup, autoclave, and RTM processes
- Automated fiber placement and tape laying
- Additive manufacturing of composites
- Process-induced defects and quality control
- Automotive carbon fiber body structures
- Wind turbine blade composite design
- Sports equipment and consumer composites
- Ceramic matrix composites for high temperature
- Nanocomposites and CNT reinforcement survey
- Capstone laminate design and analysis project
Advanced research topics
- Multiscale modeling from fiber to structure
- Progressive damage and cohesive zone models
- Self-healing and smart composites
- Structural health monitoring with embedded sensors
- Recycling and sustainability of composite waste
- Out-of-autoclave processing advances
- Machine learning for composite property prediction
- Journal club on composite materials papers
- Industry collaboration on composite testing
- Qualifying exam composites preparation
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Micromechanics and lamina behavior
Fiber-matrix composite constituents and architectures
Coming soon - Laminate design and analysis
Stacking sequence notation [0/90/±45]s
Coming soon - Manufacturing and applications
Hand layup, autoclave, and RTM processes
Coming soon - Advanced research topics
Multiscale modeling from fiber to structure
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common engineering syllabi at US colleges and universities. Exact order, depth, and applied emphasis vary by institution, department, and instructor.