Composite Materials Engineering: Fracture and Toughness is an advanced course designed to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of the fracture behaviour and toughness of composite materials. This course covers critical aspects of composite failure mechanisms, the influence of microstructural inhomogeneity, and the role of interfaces in crack propagation. Key topics include:
- Structural Aspects of Composite Failure: Explore how brittle fibers and weak matrices combine to create surprisingly tough composites through complex crack propagation mechanisms.
- Toughening Mechanisms: Learn about the various processes by which composite materials absorb energy and resist fracture, including crack deflection, fiber pull-out, and micro-cracking.
- Design of Damage-Tolerant Composites: Understand the principles and practical considerations in designing composites that balance high strength and toughness.
- Application of Fracture Mechanics: Study the application of linear-elastic fracture mechanics to specific types of composites and the limitations posed by their heterogeneous nature.
This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical insights to equip students with the skills needed to analyze and design composite materials for high-performance applications. By the end of the course, students will have a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing the fracture and toughness of composite materials and how to apply this knowledge in engineering practice.