MME 3314

Composite Materials

1. Title of Course: MME 3314 Composite Materials

2. Catalog Description: An introduction to fiber-reinforced materials. Manufacturing

technology for strong fibers and whiskers. Mechanical performance, design, and
manufacturing of composite products. Adhesion, interfacial shear, and critical fiber
length. Anisotropic plane stress elasticity; multiaxial strength of anisotropic materials.
Classical theory laminates. Delamination and other performance problems. Prerequisites:

3. Prerequisite: BE 2434 and BE 2303, each with a grade of “C” or better, and junior
standing.

4. TEXT: None
5. Course Objectives: After completing this course, student should be able to

1.) Understand and apply the nature, properties and processing of

composite materials. Coverage of each composite (MMC,
PMC and CMC) group will include the chemical and structural
state, performance capabilities, and a discussion of how each is
processed and fabricated into products.
2.) Understand and apply the concepts of composite material
design as they relate to particulate, fiber, laminar and sandwich
reinforcements.
3.) Understand and apply the concepts of composite material
design as they relate to strength and fracture toughness
enhancement.
4.) Understand and apply the concepts of composite material
design to minimize debonding, matrix crazing and
reinforcement rupture.
4.) Understand and apply the concepts of composite materials
design as they apply to the following systems:
a. Al-graphite
b. Al-SiC
c. Al-Al2O3
d. Other Al (MMCs)
e. Ni and W composites
f. Cemented carbides
g. Polymer-glass composites
h. Other polymer matrix composites
i. Carbon composites-high strength and high modulus
j. ZrO2-SiC composites
k. Glass composites
l. Other ceramic matrix composites
6. Class/Laboratory Schedule: Class: three 50-minute sessions per week
7. Contribution of course to meeting the professional component: This course
contributes to the engineering design component.
8. Relationship to Program Objectives: Course contains topics fundamental to the
processing, fabrication and design of composite material systems.
Contributes to Program educational objectives 1-3.