Overview
This course focuses on presenting a well established computational method for calculating stresses/strains in reinforced laminated composite structures. The basis for the presented computational method is often referred to as classical lamination theory. A clear understanding of this approach is supported by the development of the fundamental mechanics of an orthotropic lamina (ply). Various failure theories are presented each requiring that stresses/strains be quantified on a ply-by-ply basis in order to make failure predictions. Both applied loads and hygrothermal (thermal and moisture) effects are treated in the computational procedure. The stress and failure prediction methodology presented in this course is particularly important during the preliminary design phase of laminated composite structures.
Student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of thirty (30) questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- Understanding the differences between isotropic, orthotropic and anisotropic material behavior
- Having knowledge of the material constants required to define Hooke’s law for an orthotropic lamina (ply)
- Understanding the restrictions on the material constants required in evaluating experimental data
- Knowing the difference between reference and natural (material) coordinates for an orthotropic lamina
- Being familiar with the stress-strain relations in reference and natural coordinates for an orthotropic lamina
- Understanding the coordinate transformations used in transforming stresses and/or strains from one coordinate system to another
- Knowing generally the types of tests performed to determine the stiffness and strength properties of an orthotropic lamina
- Having knowledge of a number of biaxial strength (failure) theories used in the design of laminated composite structures
- Understanding which in-plane strength quantities are needed, as a minimum, in applying various failure theories
- Knowing the difference between separable and generalized failure theories
- Understanding that the maximum stress and maximum strain failure theories make similar predictions except under certain material behavior
- Appreciating under what conditions the Chang failure criteria reduces to the Hashin failure criteria
- Knowing the basis for the fact that the Tsai-Wu failure criteria is more general than the Tsai-Hill failure criteria
- Being familiar with the effect of the direction of shear stress on lamina strength
- Understanding the laminate orientation code used to define stacking sequence
- Being familiar with a number of special laminate constructions designed to eliminate undesirable composite material behavior
- Understanding the computational procedure for determining the stresses/strains in a laminated composite subject to applied loads and/or hygrothermal effects
- Having knowledge of the limitations of classical lamination theory
Course
Click on the following link to the PDF document to review the course material before taking the quiz for credit.
Stress and Failure Analysis of Laminated Composite Structures
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