The course provides the theoretical tools and practical methods that are needed for the basic design of structural elements made of composites materials, both from the structural and manufacturing point of view. The course will discuss the peculiar mechanical properties of composite materials and how these are influenced by the microscopic material structure. It will provide insight on how the strengths and weaknesses of composite materials should be exploited or dealt with during the design of structural elements. In addition, the students will be able to manage theoretical and pratical design tools to strengthen existing structural elements with composite materials.  

Case studies dealing with the design and strengthening of simple structural elements will be also presented.

The course will allow students to:

• Understand the mechanical and physical properties of composite materials;
• Define the layout of the composite material to meet specific performance demands;
• Understand the stress-transfer mechanism within the composite material and between a structural element and the composite material bonded to it.  
• Manage different design guidelines to strengthen existing structural elements.

The project laboratory will allow students to:

• Exploit the advantages of composite materials and provide proper solution to manage their weaknesses;
• Design simple structural elements using composite materials;
• Design strengthening solutions of existing structural elements using composite materials.

• Composition, microstructure and properties of the main types of fibers and matrices used for the manufacture of composite materials
• Manufacturing techniques for composite materials and structures
• Experimental characterization of the properties of composite materials with reference to current standards
• Elastic properties of composite materials
• Composites plate mechanics (Classical Lamination Theory) and its applications
• Failure criteria for composite materials and laminates
• Examples of applications of composite materials in the various fields of structural engineering
• Applications of the finite element method to composite structures: outlines
• Bond behavior of composite material applied to existing structures
• Bending and shear strengthening of existing structural elements with composite materials
• Confinement of existing structural elements with composite materials

Students are required to know basic mechanics principles and methods.

Evaluation is based on the homeworks assigned during the course and on a final project. The final project will involve either the design of a simple composite structure decided by the students or the design of a strengthening solution of an existing structural element using composite materials.

The students will be required to produce a report of the homeworks and of the final project to show that they are able to design a  lamination sequence optimal with respect to the stated design goals.

The project will be presented during an oral examination; the project should demonstrate that the student understands and is able to manage the course topics. The oral examintaion will be based on a discussion of the final project; however, questions on all the course topics may be asked.