The course is aimed at discussing modelling strategies and presenting methods for the analysis of the mechanical behavior of composite materials and structures.
In the first part of the course theories are introduced for predicting the stiffness of single laminae as well as laminates, and interlaminar stresses as well as failure modes and criteria are discussed.
The second part focuses on continuum micromechanical approaches to for studying the thermomechanical behavior of inhomogeneous materials. It covers analytical methods (ranging from simple "rules of mixture" to advanced mean field theories) as well as numerically based models (especially periodic microfield approaches based on studying unit cells).
In the tutorial part of the course selected methods are applied to example problems to be solved by the students and documented in a written report.
The first part will be handled as "flipped classroom". Handouts will be provided for self-study and accompanying tutorial examples are to be solved. The latter are summarized in a short written report which is part of the grading. In parallel questions and answer sessions will be scheduled.
The second part is read as classical lecture - but on-line. There a manuscipts and presentations with derivations of equations, sketches and case studies.
In the tutorial part, a problem will be given to which various methods are applied; the results are to be summarized in a written report.
