Duration
26h Th, 26h Pr
Number of credits
Lecturer
Language(s) of instruction
English language
Organisation and examination
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Schedule
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Learning unit contents
The course introduces different aspects of fibre-reinforced plastic materials :
- overall description : constituents, matrix and fiber architecture, industrial applications (aerospace, automotive, energy), links between process, microstructure, material properties and structural performance.
- mechanical properties : linear elasticity of orthotropic (and anisotropic) materials, classical laminate theory (CLT), progressive damage and failure mechanisms, edge effects, humidity and temperature effects.
- homogenization : principles, application to linear elasticity, applications to short and continuous fibre-reinforced plastics.
- numerical simulation : finite element analysis.
- design of composite structures : design rules and manufacturing constraints, parameterizations and optimization algorithms, stacking sequence optimization.
Learning outcomes of the learning unit
At the end of the course, students should have acquired the following knowledge and skills :
- an overview of the different kinds of composites and their constituents;
- linear and nonlinear mechanical characteristics of continuous fiber laminates, including damage and failure mechanisms ;
- homogenization techniques and basis multi-scale material modeling ;
- Integrated Computational Mechanical/Material Engineering (ICME): Integration of process, material and structural modeling.
- the classical laminate theory ;
- main design rules and stacking sequence optimization of composite laminates;
- a theoretical knowledge of manufacturing process and related constraints;
- the ability to analyse a composite structure with industrial finite element software.
This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, I.2, II.1, IV.1, VI.1, VI.2, VII.2 of the MSc in aerospace engineering.
This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.1, I.2, II.1, IV.1, IV.3, VI.1, VI.2, VII.2 of the MSc in mechanical engineering.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills
A background in continuum mechanics and finite element methods is required.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods
Theoretical concepts are explained during formal lectures and seminars. All speakers have a strong industrial background and share their practical experience with students. Exercise sessions are meant to put the classical laminate theory into practice (analysis of continuous fiber laminate properties with analytically calculated ABD matrices). Students have individual graded projects involving SAMCEF finite element software and Digimat, which are introduced during computer sessions.
Mode of delivery (face to face, distance learning, hybrid learning)
Theoretical lectures are taught in class by the professor. Exercise sessions are led by the assistants. Mandatory practical sessions are organized in a computer room where numerical simulation tools are available.
Recommended or required readings
References :
Lecture notes (contact M. Bruyneel)
Strength and life of composites, S.W. Tsai, ed. JEC Composites Publication: homogenization, orthotropy, CLT, failure theories.
Matériaux composites, D. Gay, ed. Hermes, Paris, 2005: homogenization, orthotropy, CLT, failure theories, lots of applications.
Composite airframe structures, M.C.Y. Niu, ed. Conmilit Press LTd. Hong Kong, 1992: testing, manufacturing, applications.
Optimisation des structures mécaniques: méthodes numériques et éléments finis, M. Bruyneel, J.C. Craveur, P. Gourmelen, ed. Dunod, Paris, 2014 : composite materials
Structures en matériaux composites: caculs paéments finis, Jetteur, Bruyneel, Craveur, DUNOD, 2019.
Written exam, theory (closed-book): 50% of the total points
Written exam, exercises (open book): 25% of the total points
Practical work on computer reports: 25% of the total points
Work placement(s)
Organisational remarks and main changes to the course
Face-to-face classes will take place at B28 1.18.
(Warning: the first lectures in 2023 will be given on September 18 in room B37 S39 -1/39; the next ones will be given in room B28 1.28)
Contacts
Michaël Bruyneel (Michael.Bruyneel@ulg.ac.be)
Martin Volvert (m.volvert@ulg.ac.be)
Louis Dehaybe (Louis.Dehaybe@uliege.be)