About Composite Materials
A composite material is a heterogeneous material formed from two or more constituents, assembled to achieve enhanced structural performance. Owing to the improved strength and reduced weight, when compared to conventional materials, the range of applications of composite materials spans across diverse fields. This necessitates a thorough understanding of the behavior of these materials.
Research is underway to find ways to embed functionality like sensing, actuation, computation, and communication into composite materials. This is known as smart composite materials.
Some examples of engineered composite materials for various applications include:
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Fiber reinforced polymers
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Reinforced concrete beams
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Composite wood or plywood
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Ceramic matrix composites
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Sandwich structures
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Metal matrix composites
Among different types of engineered composite materials, the use of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) is growing rapidly. Applications include aircraft components, spacecraft components, wind turbine blades, automobiles, buildings, boat hulls, bicycles, and safety equipment.
This section includes:
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Classification of Composites
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Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites
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Benefits of Composites
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Challenges of Composites