Lesson 1Fibre–matrix interface and sizing: adhesion mechanisms, coupling agents, sizing effects on processing and durabilityThis section explains fibre–matrix adhesion mechanisms, the role of coupling agents and sizings, and how interface design influences processing, damage tolerance, fatigue, and long-term durability in structural FVK components.
Chemical and mechanical adhesion mechanismsSilane and other coupling agent chemistriesSizing influence on wet-out and handlingInterface effects on fatigue and toughnessAging, moisture, and interface degradationLesson 2Polymeric matrix systems: thermosets (epoxy, BMI, phenolic) vs thermoplastics (PA, PEEK) — Tg, HDT, creep, chemical resistanceThis section compares thermoset and thermoplastic matrices, detailing epoxy, BMI, phenolic, PA, and PEEK systems, their Tg, HDT, creep, chemical resistance, processing routes, and implications for structural FVK design.
Epoxy systems for primary structuresBMI and phenolic for hot and fire-critical useEngineering thermoplastics: PA, PPS, PEEKTg, HDT, and long-term creep behaviorChemical resistance and solvent selectionLesson 3Fatigue and damage mechanics in FRP: fatigue S–N behaviour, damage accumulation, matrix cracking, fibre breakage, delamination initiation and growthThis section covers fatigue and damage mechanics in FRP, including S–N behaviour, stiffness degradation, matrix cracking, fibre breakage, delamination initiation and growth, and inspection strategies for structural FVK components.
Tension–tension and tension–compression S–NStiffness degradation and residual strengthMatrix cracking and fiber–matrix debondingDelamination initiation and growth driversDamage inspection and monitoring methodsLesson 4Standards and safety factors: design allowables, safety factors for structural FRP, relevant standards (ISO, ASTM, DIN) and material datasheet interpretationThis section introduces structural FRP design allowables, partial safety factors, and knockdowns, and shows how to interpret ISO, ASTM, and DIN standards and material datasheets for safe, certifiable FVK structural design.
Basis values: A- and B-basis allowablesDeriving design values from test dataGlobal and partial safety factor conceptsKey ISO, ASTM, and DIN FRP standardsReading and validating FRP datasheetsLesson 5Fibre categories and properties: glass, carbon, aramid — tensile, compressive, shear behaviour and trade-offsThis section classifies glass, carbon, and aramid fibres, explaining tensile, compressive, and shear behaviour, stiffness–strength trade-offs, strain limits, and cost implications to support robust selection for structural FVK applications.
E-glass, S-glass, and specialty glass fibersStandard, intermediate, and high-modulus carbonAramid fiber grades and ballistic behaviorTension, compression, and shear failure modesCost, weight, and performance trade-off mappingLesson 6Composite mechanical behaviour: anisotropy, laminate theory, rule of mixtures, stiffness and strength prediction for unidirectional, woven, and multidirectional layupsThis section develops composite mechanical behaviour from micromechanics to laminate theory, covering anisotropy, rule of mixtures, classical laminate analysis, and stiffness and strength prediction for unidirectional, woven, and multidirectional layups.
Unidirectional ply elastic constantsRule of mixtures for stiffness and strengthClassical laminate theory and ABD matrixWoven fabric orthotropic behaviorMultidirectional layup design examplesLesson 7Temperature and environmental effects: glass transition, elevated-temperature property retention, hygrothermal effects, lubricant and dust exposureThis section examines how temperature, moisture, and environment affect FRP, covering glass transition, hot-wet knockdowns, freeze–thaw, lubricants, dust, and UV, and how to test, model, and design for long-term durability in service.
Glass transition, HDT, and softening behaviorElevated-temperature stiffness and strength lossMoisture uptake and hygrothermal agingLubricant, fuel, and chemical exposure effectsDust, UV, and particulate erosion mechanisms
