Composite materials
Graduate · Engineering
Syllabus focus
Standard syllabus · STEM / applied
Pricing
Graduate-level rates are set on consultation. See the pricing page for K–12 and undergraduate rates.
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Micromechanics and lamina behavior
- Fiber-matrix composite constituents and architectures
- Rule of mixtures and Halpin-Tsai estimates
- Orthotropic material properties and compliance matrix
- Classical lamination theory (CLT) assumptions
- Stress and strain in arbitrary lamina orientations
- Failure criteria: maximum stress and Tsai-Wu
- Interlaminar stresses and free-edge effects
- Fracture and delamination mechanics intro
- Fatigue of composite laminates
- Environmental effects: moisture and temperature
Laminate design and analysis
- Stacking sequence notation [0/90/±45]s
- Extension-shearing-coupling and bending-extension coupling
- Thermal and hygroscopic residual stresses
- Buckling of composite plates and shells
- Sandwich panels: facesheet and core mechanics
- Joint design: bonded and bolted attachments
- Damage tolerance and repair strategies
- Testing: tensile, compression, and ILSS standards
- Nondestructive inspection: ultrasonics and thermography
- Certification pathways in aerospace (FAA/EASA awareness)
STEM / applied
Manufacturing and applications
- Hand layup, autoclave, and RTM processes
- Automated fiber placement and tape laying
- Additive manufacturing of composites
- Process-induced defects and quality control
- Automotive carbon fiber body structures
- Wind turbine blade composite design
- Sports equipment and consumer composites
- Ceramic matrix composites for high temperature
- Nanocomposites and CNT reinforcement survey
- Capstone laminate design and analysis project
Advanced research topics
- Multiscale modeling from fiber to structure
- Progressive damage and cohesive zone models
- Self-healing and smart composites
- Structural health monitoring with embedded sensors
- Recycling and sustainability of composite waste
- Out-of-autoclave processing advances
- Machine learning for composite property prediction
- Journal club on composite materials papers
- Industry collaboration on composite testing
- Qualifying exam composites preparation
Notes
Topics reflect common engineering syllabi at US colleges and universities. Exact order, depth, and applied emphasis vary by institution, department, and instructor.