This course will cover advanced mechanics of composite structures through macroscale modelling of composite materials using high-order laminate theories, and through experimental characterization, and data acquisition and analysis. In order to carry out conceptual design, initial sizing and preliminary modelling of composite structural components, design engineers need a thorough understanding of the experimental mechanics as well as strength, stability, and dynamic mechanical response of thin and thick plates/shells made of composite materials. In this context, students will be given an overview of standards and tests methods for experimental identification of material properties of laminates and sandwich structures. In addition, the constitutive equations and strain-stress transformation equations will be reviewed in the context of modelling composite structures. Beam, plate, and shell kinematics will be introduced based on different lamination theories including layer-wise, zigzag, high-order shear deformation theories. Principles of virtual work and minimum potential energy will be presented for bending, buckling, vibration problems of plate and shell structures. Analytical/numerical solutions of these problems will be included. Computational modelling will include post- processing methods to obtain accurate interlaminar and transverse-shear stresses and quantify damage mechanisms such as delamination, impact, and fracture resistance of composite materials.

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