ME 508 Composite Materials

3 graduate credits

Instructor: Professor Robert E. Rowlands
Phone: 608/262-3205
Email: rowlands@engr.wisc.edu

Course objective:
To provide training in the analysis, response/behavior, design, selection, repair and recycling of anisotropic and/or composite materials — including societal and fiscal considerations.

Course description:
Physical properties and mechanical behavior of polymer, metal, ceramic, cementitious, cellulosic and biological composite systems; micro- and macro-mechanics; lamination and strength analyses; static and transient loading; fabrication; recycling; design; analytical-experimental correlation; applications.

Prerequisite:
Basic knowledge of stress analysis, and solid mechanics/mechanics of materials. Computational skills, spreadsheets, word processors, presentation skills, etc. Capability with computational math packages such as EES, MATHCAD or MATLAB helpful.

Homework:
Four homework problems submitted for grading.

Project:
Written and oral team project.

Exams:
Midterm and final exam.

Laboratory:
None.

Computer software:
MATLAB or MATHCAD. Visit this webpage for information about software availability: Tethered Software at Computer-aided Engineering. A student version of MATLAB is available for purchase. Contact the Office of Engineering Outreach for details.

Textbook:
Mechanics of Composite Materials, R.M. Jones, 2nd Ed., 1999, ISBN: 1-56032-712-X.

Course notes:
Sent upon receipt of enrollment.