After successful completion of the course, students are able to

• specify areas of application and application examples of fiber composites
• explain the technological differences of composites compared to conventional materials and give reasons for their advantages in lightweight applications
• define and classify composites from a technical point of view
• name material parameters that can be used to change the material characteristics of composites
• deal with Composite specific basic terms and fundamentals
• read or generate laminate descriptions
• describe available fiber and matrix materials as well as their semi-finished products and delivery forms in detail and to select them according to the application
• explain the manufacturing principle and manufacturing process of fiber composite components
• select appropriate forming processes depending on the application
• describe automation options and potentials in the production process
• explain the design process of composite components
• specify the elastic material behavior of laminate single layers and parameters which influence them
• describe the classical laminate theory for the calculation of layered composite structures and to explain compositespecific effects by means of the layer composite material law
• explicate failure mechanisms in composites materials and apply failure criteria
• list and explain methods of non-destructive material testing to determine damage in composite components
• describe methods of experimental characterization to determine the anisotropic material characteristics of composite components and composites
• name special joining techniques and methods of load introduction in composite components
• Specify available repair measures of composite components.

The following topics regarding composite materials are covered:

• Characterization and classification with respect to lightweight structures
• Fields of industrial applications
• Fiber- and matrix materials
• Processing technologies
• Design
• Mechanical and chemical testing of fiber reinforced polymers
• Quality control
• Joining and Load introduction
• Repair of damaged composite parts.

Frontal presentation with slides. The subject matter is explained on the basis of real show pieces and videos. Additional notes and explanations are discussed on the board.

The lecture materials  can be downloaded  in TISS chapterwise before the lecture.

Written exam, duration 90min

Lecture notes for each lecture are available via TISS on Monday before the lecture.

Basic knowledge in lightweight structures and mechanics