last modified 01/05/2003

Coursecode: wb1430B
Coursename: Fibre reinforced plastics, extended course

ECTS creditpoints: 6
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology
Lecturer(s): Marissen, Prof.dr.ir. R.

Tel.: 015-27 86739

Catalog data:
Fracture mechanics, fracture mechanisms, statistics for material strength, fibres, natural materials, polymers, composites, notches, cracks, fatigue.

Courseyear: MSc 1st year
Language: English

Period: 2A / 2B
Hours p/w: 4
Other hours: 4
Assessment: Oral
Assessm.period(s): By app.
(see academic calendar)
Prerequisites: Basic engineering and some mechanics education, including wb1430A, is necessary.
Follow up: None: final course.
Detailed description of topics:
Introduction to fracture mechanics and application on composites and other advanced materials, possibilities and restrictions. Experimental techniques for testing of composites. Introduction Weibull statistics for strength, possibilities and restrictions. Introduction to polymer science, film formation. Theoretical material strength and strength of advanced polymer fibres. Fatigue of composites.
Compression strength of composites. Failure behaviour of natural materials (bone and wood) Stress concentrations in isotropic and anisotropic plates. Notch size effect on the fracture strength of composites.
Course material:
Lecture notes available (in Dutch, English translation is in progress)
References from literature:
Remarks (specific information about assesment, entry requirements, etc.):
Examination by appointment
Goals:
Demonstration of the integration of various scientific disciplines in material science, especially focussed on fibre reinforced composites. Demonstration of critical academic attitude regarding frontline scientific developments.
Computer use:
None, but reference is being made to modelling aspects in computer programs used for fibre reinforced composites.
Laboratory project(s):-
Design content:
The design aspect is merely conceptual and fundamental: it is mainly devoted to the relation between various fracture mechanisms, their modelling and the consequences for the durability of constructions.

Percentage of design: 25%