User:Eml4500.f08.delta 6.guzman/Composites with Moduli that Change with Length

'''Composite materials

'''

Refer to engineered materials composed of usually two constituent materials with considerably different mechanical properties.

'''Types '''

In order to have the composite at least one fraction of each type is required.

Matrix: by maintaining a given position the matrix materials surround and support the reinforcement materials.

Reinforcement: by providing mechanical and electrical properties reinforcement materials enhance the matrix materials

Examples

Examples of composite materials can be dated to primitive times. One of the most elementary would be the composite for bricks which were made out of mud and straw. More modern examples can be encountered from spacecraft to roadways applications such as asphalt concrete.

Some examples of composite materials where the modulus of elasticity is a function of length are:


 * Hardmetal: is a composite of metal and carbide. The modulus of metal is significantly different than that of carbide in order to increase the composite’s strength.
 * Bone: is a composite of hydroxyapatite with collagen fibers. The modulus of bone is altered by the collagen fibers embedded inside of the dydroxyapatite to lend it the force necessary to support the body movements.
 * Concrete walls (reinforced): the modulus of concrete is changed by using reinforced steel in order to reinforce the concrete in walls.
 * Composite panel: the modulus of two aluminum sheets is changed by inserting in between a non-aluminum material.

For additional information please visit:


 * http://www.mech.utah.edu/~rusmeeha/labNotes/composites.html


 * http://www.societyofrobots.com/materials_carbonfiber.shtml


 * http://www.science.org.au/nova/059/059key.htm


 * http://www.matter.org.uk/matscicdrom/manual/co.html#_Toc360435310

For more in depth research about composite materials please visit the University of Florida engineering databases http://libguides.uflib.ufl.edu/content.php?pid=7641&sid=48706 Other resources are available by engineering subjects guides http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/msl/subjects/engin.html or by consulting the University of Florida engineering subject specialists:
 * Denise Bennett
 * Amy Buhler
 * Vernon Kisling
 * Carrie Newsom