TAM 4550 Introduction to Composite Materials (also CEE 4770, MAE 4550, MSE 5550)
Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGRD 2020.
Topics include introduction to composite materials; varieties and properties of fiber reinforcements and matrix materials; micromechanics of stiffness and stress transfer in discontinuous fiber/matrix arrays; orthotropic elasticity as applied to parallel fibers in a matrix and lamina; theory of stiffness (tension, bending, torsion) and failure of laminates and composite plates, including computer software for design; and manufacturing methods and applications for composites. There is a group component design and manufacturing paper required, and a group laboratory on laminated component fabrication.