Introduction to Macromechanical Analysis of Laminates — Lesson 1

This lesson covers the macromechanical analysis of laminates, focusing on their elastic behavior. It begins with a discussion on the definition and formation of laminates, which are formed by stacking several unidirectional laminae bonded together to act as a structural element. The lesson then delves into the importance of laminates, highlighting their ability to overcome the limitations of lamina, such as poor transverse properties and thinness. The lesson also explains the stress-strain behavior of a lamina, the control of direction-dependent properties, and the significance of fiber orientation and volume fraction. It further discusses the concept of symmetric and hybrid laminates, and the standard way of designating a laminate. The lesson concludes with the introduction of classical lamination theory and the assumptions made in this theory.

Video Highlights

03:16 - Significance of fiber orientation and volume fraction
09:32 - Introduction to symmetric and hybrid laminates
13:14 - Macromechanical Analysis of Laminates
17:41 - Standard way of designating a laminate
27:32 - Introduction to classical lamination theory

Key Takeaways

- Laminates are formed by stacking several unidirectional laminae bonded together to act as a structural element.
- Laminates overcome the limitations of lamina, such as poor transverse properties and thinness.
- The stress-strain behavior of a lamina, the control of direction-dependent properties, and the significance of fiber orientation and volume fraction are crucial in understanding the behavior of laminates.
- Symmetric and hybrid laminates are two types of laminates that cater to different strength and stiffness requirements.
- Classical lamination theory is used to establish a relationship between the applied load and the corresponding displacement of the laminate.