Engineering Professional Programs

Course Outline

1. Introduction (5 hours)

1.1 Definition of composite

1.2 Fundamentals of fiber-reinforced composites

1.3 Differences between polymer matrix composites (PMCs) and structural metals

1.4 Why are thin fibers desirable?

1.5 Factors contributing to mechanical performance

1.6 Guidelines for material selection (2.5 hours)

1.6.1 Material property considerations

1.6.2 Material selection methods

1.6.3 Cost vs. property analysis

1.6.4 Importance of merit indices or performance indicators

1.7 Examples of fibers and matrices

1.8 Lamina and laminates

1.9 Geometrical aspects of fiber distribution

1.10 Volume fraction and weight fraction, void content and density

2. Fibers (3 hours)

2.1 Carbon fibers - structure, processing, and properties

2.2 Glass - structure, processing, and properties

2.3 Kevlar - structure, processing, and properties

2.4 Comparison of fibers

2.5 Fiber forms

3. Matrix (7 hours)

3.1 Matrix materials used in composites

3.2 Polymeric matrix

3.3 Thermoplastic and thermoset polymers

3.4 Chemical composition variables of resin systems (2.5 hours)

3.4.1 Addition curing polymer systems

3.4.2 Condensation curing polymer systems

3.4.3 High-flow and low-flow resin (net resin) systems

3.4.4 Resin variables

3.4.5 Prepreg variables

3.5 Selection of matrix: thermosets vs. thermoplastics

3.6 Thermoset matrix - structure and properties

3.6.1 Epoxy

3.6.2 Polyester

3.7 Thermoplastic matrix - structure and properties

3.7.1 Polyether ether ketone (PEEK)

3.7.2 Comparison of typical thermoset vs. thermoplastic

3.8 Toughening approaches for thermoset resins

4. Micro-mechanical behavior of composites (6.0 hours)

4.1 Longitudinal and transverse modulus

4.2 Load transfer mechanism from matrix to fiber

4.3 Stress and strain distribution at fiber ends

5. Interfaces (2.5 hours)

5.1 Wettability and bonding

5.2 Interfaces in composites

5.3 Types of bonding at interfaces

6. Fiber surface treatments (use of sizes, coupling agents, etc.) (1.5 hours)

6.1 Glass fibers

6.2 Carbon fibers

6.3 Kevlar fibers

7. Fillers and other additives (1 hour)

8. Incorporation of Fibers into Matrix (1 hour)

8.1 Prepregs with thermoset matrix

8.2 Sheet molding compound (SMC) with thermoset matrix

8.3 Incorporation of fibers into thermoplastic matrix

9. Environmental effects (1 hour)

10. Quality control (2 hours)

Texts

Lecture notes

Instructor

Dr. K. B. Das

is currently an Affiliate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Washington where he has been teaching since 1978. He worked for Boeing for nearly 40 years (24 years in Materials and Processes Engineering and 16 years in QA organizations) before retiring in February 2003. Dr. Das obtained three Masters degrees from Osmania University (India), Purdue University, and University of Illinois in Electronics and Modern Physics, Solid State Physics, and Metallurgical Engineering, respectively, and a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Washington (1971). Dr. Das has over 40 years of research and development experience in high vacuum technology, rapid solidification rate powder metallurgical (RSR/PM) alloys, hydrogen embrittlement and stress corrosion cracking, corrosion engineering, alloy development and characterization, atomic and molecular spectroscopy, defect structure and physics of metals, and advanced composites.

Questions

If you have questions about this program, please call UW Educational Outreach Advising at 206-685-8936 in the greater Seattle area or 1-800-543-2320. If you have questions about registration for this program, please call the UW Educational Outreach Registration Department at 206-543-2310 or 1-800-543-2320.

For more information about Boeing initiatives in composites education,email Michael Richey, Boeing Learning Training and Development, Engineering & Operations Group.