Syllabus

Module 1:
Composites- Definition and applications of composites, Classification of composites, Advantages and disadvantages, Rule of mixtures. [3 contact hours]

Module 2:
Reinforcement (synthesis methods, structure and properties): Synthetic inorganic fibers (glass fiber, boron fiber), Synthetic organic fibers (polyethylene fiber, aramid fiber), Ceramic fiber (silicon carbide fiber, alumina fiber). Matrix materials: fabrication, structure, properties and application of thermoset and thermoplastic polymers and ceramic matrix materials. [8 contact hours]

Module 3:
Interfaces: wettability, Types of bonding and interaction at the interface, Optimum interfacial bond strength, Tests for measuring interfacial strength (flexural test, interlaminar shear stress test (ILSS), single fiber pullout test, curved neck specimen test, instrumented indentation test). [6 contact hours]

Module 4:
Ceramic matrix composites: fabrication, properties and uses, interfaces in CMCs, various toughening/energy-dissipation mechanisms in CMCs, Polymer matrix composites: fabrication, properties and uses, interfaces in PMCs [8 contact hours]

Module 5:
Monotonic strength of composites: Influence of fiber length and concentration, Tensile stress-strain behavior of continuous and aligned fiber composites, Elastic behavior under longitudinal and transverse loading, Longitudinal tensile strength (Vcrit and Vmin), Discontinuous and randomly oriented fiber composites, Particle reinforced composites: large particle and dispersion strengthened composites. [6 contact hours]

Module 6:
Compressive strength and buckling of unidirectional fiber composites, Fracture modes in composites: single and multiple fracture, debonding, fiber pull-out and delamination fracture, Different stages of progression of a crack in a fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite, Carbon fiber/carbon matrix composites, Hierarchical composites, Nano-composites, recent advances in this area. [9 contact hours]

To impart a basic understanding about various types of composite materials

To provide in-depth knowledge about the processing and mechanical behaviour of different composites materials

To translate the knowledge gained about composite materials in higher research field/industry

To prepare future materials scientists and engineers who can fit in academia and industry for relevant scientific breakthroughs

CO1: To be well versed with the processing and properties of various synthetic inorganic and organic fibers (act as the reinforcement of the composites)
CO2: To be well exposed to the various testing methods available to measure the interfacial bond strength of the composites
CO3: To learn the fabrication and properties of polymer, ceramic and metal matrix composites
CO4: To comprehend the fundamentals of the mechanical properties and fracture behaviour of composite materials
CO5: To be able to independently solve the numerical problems related to the mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composite materials

K. K. Chawla, ., Composite Materials: Science and Engineering, third edition, Springer, 2013.

M Balasubramanian,, Composite Materials and Processing,, CRC press, 2014

D Hull and T W Clyne,, An Introduction to Composite Materials,, Cambridge University Press, 2000.

P K Mallick,, Fiber Reinforced Composites,, CRC Press, 2008.