The student will acquire the basic knowledge about the characteristics and the production technologies of the different kinds of composites. Another expected learning outcome refers to the capability of designing composites showing a set of required properties (for a specific application) by chosing the suitable material components as well as the composite architecture.

Prerequisites Basic knowledge of Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics. Knowledge about traditional metallic, polymeric and ceramic materials.

Course syllabus. Introduction to the concept of composite material. Production processes; physical, chemical and mechanical properties of: organic and inorganic long fibres, particles, whiskers and chopped fibres. Classification of composites with polymeric, metallic and ceramic matrix. In-situ composites. Role of interfaces in composites. Elastic behaviour of composites containing long fibres: Voigt an Reuss equations. Adoption of the mixture rule for the forecast of other composite properties. Tsai-Halpin equations. Shear Leg model by Cox. Importance of tha aspect ratio of short fibres and measurement of its critical value. Anisotropy of the single lamina of composite material: stiffness in different directions. Residual stresses. Fibre strength: statistical distribution according to Weibull equations. Strength of multi-filament fibres. Effect of fibre length on strength. Micro-mechanical models for the calculation of the strength of both the single composite sheet (with long fibres) and the multi-layer laminate. Experimental methods for interfacial strength measurement. Strength of composites with short fibres, wiskers and platelets: adaptation of Shear-Leg model, Arsenault and Shi model (for MMCs). Degradation od different kinds of composites owing to environmental conditions. Creep and corrosion resistance. Detrimental reactions at the matrix/reinforcement interface in composites. Toughness and fracture mechanisms: debonding, post debonding friction and pull-out. Toughening of ceramic matrices through the adoption of a not-continuous second phase. Fatigue behaviour of different classes of composites.

Laboratories and/or tutorial or practice classes. Standards for the measurement of: tensile stregth of fibres; tensile, compression, flexural strength, toughness and hardness of composites with polymeric, metallic and ceramic matrices. Laboratory practice: measurement of tensile strength, modulus and toughness of composites. Laboratory practice: observation of composite microstructure by optical microscope. Use of a software for the selection of materials based on material charts of Ashby. Use of simple micro-mechanical models for the forecasting of composite properties.

Learming materials. Reference book: a) C. Badini , Materiali Compositi per l¿Ingegneria 2° Ed, Celid, Torino 2008; Other study materials: b) F.L. Matthews, R.D. Rawlings, Composite Materials: Engineering and Science, Chapman & Hall, Londra 1994; c) B. Harris, Engineering Composite Materials, IOM Communication Ltd (London), The University Press, Cambridge 1999

Lecture slides; Text book; Exercises; Exercise with solutions ; Lab exercises;

Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam;

The final exam consists of two tests: written and oral. During the written test (lasting 2.5 hours) the candidates are requested to answer some questions (from 15 to 20) and solve three problems (with the help of a calculator). The help of books, notes of internet connections during the written test is not permitted. The score for each problem correctly solved is 5/30 and that for each correct answer is n/15 (where “n” is the number of questions). The sum of the scores obtained for problems and questions gives rise to the total score of the written test (maximum 30/30). Written questions will focus at every part of the course programm: fabrication of the different classes of composite materials; mechanical, thermal and other physical properties of composites; durability and degradation processes; testing methods. Problems will focus on calculations for the prediction of composite properties performed on the basis of theoretical models. The students that pass the written test will be informed about their mark and invited to give the oral test. The oral test will entail a discussion about the subjects of written test and related topics. The mark achieved with the written test could be improved or worsened after the oral test. To pass the exam both written and oral test should be passed.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.