Fundamentals of Layered Composites

Fiber-reinforced composite materials are the unsung heroes in various engineering disciplines such as automotive, aerospace, and sports. Their power lies in their orthotropic material properties, which can change based on the structure's shape and orientation. However, harnessing this power requires a meticulous design process, including the careful selection of fiber orientation, number of fibers, and the order of stacking. This is followed by Finite Element Analysis (FEA), a crucial step in verifying the design of composite structures to predict and prevent potential failures. Interpreting the results from composite FEA is a complex task, as composites can fail due to various mechanisms like fiber breakage, matrix cracking, and delamination. The journey to understand the superpowers of composites may seem intimidating. But with real-life examples and carefully crafted quizzes, the understanding of composite materials becomes an exciting adventure.
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