Code No: 53106/MT

NR
M.Tech. – I Semester Supplementary Examinations,
September, 2008

MECHANICS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

(Machine Design)

Time: 3hours Max. Marks:60

Answer any FIVE questions

All questions carry equal marks
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1. How do you classify the fibre reinforced composites based on the

matrix used? Explain each category.

2.a) Describe the significance and objectives of composite material

science and Technology.
b) Determine Poisson’s ratio υ xy at angle θ = 300 with the fibre
direction for a material with the following properties:
E1 G
= 3, 12 = 0.5 and υ12 = 0.25 .
E2 E2

3.a) How carbon fibres are made? Describe with sketches a typical
fabrication process.
b) Obtain the relation for a strain at any point in the laminate to the
reference plane strains and the laminate curvatures using classical
lamination theory.

4.) Derive the Tsai-Hill and Tsai-Wu strength criteria for a composite
lamina.

5.a) What are mechanical coupling terms in laminate stiffnesses? How

do they influence the mechanical behaviour of a laminate?
b) Determine the mechanical coupling terms in a [ 0 / 90]2 laminate
with the following lamina properties:
E1 =140 Gpa, E2 = 10 Gpa, G12 = 4 Gpa and υ12 = 0.26
Take each lamina thickness as 1 mm.

6. Describe briefly the characterisation test methods for a uni

directional lamina.

Contd…2
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7. A closed cylindrical pressure vessal of mean radius of 1m is

subjected to an internal pressure of 0.5 KN/cm2. The wall of the
vessel has a thickness of 4 mm and is made of a ( ±450 ) laminate.
2

The properties of a 450 lamina are as fallows:

QM = 27 Gpa, Q66 = 23 Gpa

Q22 = 27 Gpa, Q16 = 22 Gpa
Q12 = 22 Gpa, Q26 = 22 Gpa

Determine the top ply stresses.

8.) Write short notes on:

i) Metal matrix composites
ii) Kirchoff’s assumptions
iii) Show that Q  off = Tσ−  Q  on T∈+ 

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