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Mechanics of Composite Materials
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:33
Abstract
The courses treats aspects related to elastic behavior of unidirectional and multidirectional laminates, micromechanics, failure and damage analysis, analysis and design of composite structures. The focus is on laminated fiber-reinforced polymer composites.
Objective
The objective is to introduce the basic concept of composite materials and provide a thorough understanding of the mechanical response of such materials and structures particularly made from fiber reinforced polymer composites, including elastic behavior, failure, fracture and damage analysis as well as structural design aspects. The ultimate goal is to provide the necessary skills to address the design and analysis of modern lightweight composite structures.
Content
The course is addressing following topics: - Introduction - Elastic anisotropy - Micromechanics & Homogenization - Classical Laminate Theory (CLT) - Strength, failure and damage analysis - Thin ply composite shells & effects of material non-linearity - Analysis and design of composite structures
Resources
Lecture Notes
Script, handouts, exercises and additional material are available in PDF-format on the moodle page of the lecture.
Literature
The lecture material is covered by a script/lecture notes compiled by CMASLab and further literature is referenced therein.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- Open book: all documents are allowed (e.g. lecture materials, notes, summaries, books, dictionary); writing utensils, exclusively non-programmable calculator, no personal computers and other communication devices.
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture |
Mechanics of Composite Materials
This course will be offered for the last time in Autumn Semester 2023.
|
|
2 h weekly |
| exercise |
Mechanics of Composite Materials
This course will be offered for the last time in Autumn Semester 2023.
|
|
1 h weekly |
Offered In
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Mechanics, Materials, Structures (The courses listed in this category “Core Courses” are recommended. Alternative courses can be chosen in agreement with the tutor.)
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Elective Courses (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich on the Master level. Please consult the study administration in case of questions.)
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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