Mechanics of Aerospace Materials 4

Overview

Composite definitions & current state-of-the-art; Continuous fibre reinforced composite elasticity, Laminae strength analysis, Micromechanics, Laminate constitutive equations, Laminate strength analysis; Design of Composite Laminates. Review of yield and brittle failure criteria for isotropic materials, effect of stress concentrations, and limitations. Stress intensity factor for calculating stress and displacement fields, fracture toughness, and residual strength. Effects of plasticity and introduction to elasto-plastic fracture mechanics. Fatigue crack propagation and the Paris law for estimating fatigue lifetime. Fracture mechanics in the aerospace industry, and case studies.

Learning Objectives

Explain the scientific principles underpinning mechanics of materials used in aerospace applications.

Explain advances in technologies and methodologies related to aerospace materials.

Apply mathematical and computer-based models for predicting material behaviour, and assess the limitations of particular cases.

Explain the role of mechanics methods in design processes and adapt them in unfamiliar situations.

Make use of technical literature and have an understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments.

Knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes or products, with extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components.

Awareness of quality issues and their application to continuous improvement.

Skills

Produce creative and realistic solutions to complex problems.

Identify their own information needs in order to support complex problem requirements.

Deliver a concise report that succeeds in communicating a series of points effectively.

Assessment

None.