DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN COLLEGE OF

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

1. Composite materials are classified based on:

(a) Type of matrix (b) Size-and-shape of reinforcement (c) Both (d) None
2. Major load carrier in dispersion-strengthened composites
(a) Matrix (b) Fiber (c) Both (d) Can’t define
3. Usually softer constituent of a composite is
(a) Matrix (b) Reinforcement (c) Both are of equal strength (d) Can’t define
4. Usually stronger constituent of a composite is
(a) Matrix (b) Reinforcement (c) Both are of equal strength (d) Can’t define
5. Last constituent to fail in fiber reinforced composites
(a) Matrix (b) Fiber (c) Both fails at same time (d) Can’t define
6. Size range of dispersoids used in dispersion strengthened composites
(a) 0.01-0.1 µm (b) 0.01-0.1 nm (c) 0.01-0.1 mm (d) None
7. Rule-of-mixture provides _________ bounds for mechanical properties of particulate composites.
(a) Lower (b) Upper (c) Both (d) None
8. Al-alloys for engine/automobile parts are reinforced to increase their
(a) Strength (b) Wear resistance (c) Elastic modulus (d) Density
9. Mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites depend on
(a) Properties of constituents
(b) Interface strength
(c) Fiber length, orientation, and volume fraction
(d) All the above
10. Longitudinal strength of fiber reinforced composite is mainly influenced by
(a) Fiber strength (b) Fiber orientation (c) Fiber volume fraction (d) Fiber length
11. The following material can be used for filling in sandwich structures
(a) Polymers (b) Cement (c) Wood (d) All
12. Not an example for laminar composite
(a) Wood (b) Bimetallic (c) Coatings/Paints (d) Claddings
13.Out of these polymers, which one typically has the maximum strength?
a) Phenolic.
b) Epoxy.
c) Polyester.
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ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

d) Polyamide.
-epoxy
14. A single layer of fibrous composite is termed as a________.
a) Laminae
b) Laminate
c) Lamina
d) None of these
15. Experimentally, the volume fraction of voids is generally determined by _________.
a) burn or acid digestion tests.
b) tension tests.
c) impact tests.
d) visual inspection
16. During an experimental analysis of the composite material, it was found that there are some air
voids in the composite. The volume fraction of matrix material is fifty percent. In such a case,the
volume fraction of fiber would be:
a) Exact fifty percent.
b) Less than fifty percent.
c) More than fifty percent.
d) None of these.
17. Which of the following material is a composite?
a) Graphite
b) Epoxy
c) Granite
d) None of these are correct.
18. By adding metal rods or wires to the concrete can increase __________.
a) Compressive and bending strength
b) Tensile and bending strength
c) Compressive strength only
d) Bending strength only
19. If material properties are different at different locations then material is formed as________.
a) Isotropic
b) Orthotropic
c) Homogeneous
d) Non homogeneous
20. Commposite materials can be classified on the basis of_____________.
a) Type of matrix material.
b) Type of reinforcement material.
c) Both of the options are correct.
d) None of the options are correct.
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

21. 1. How many elastic constants of a linear, elastic, isotropic material will be?
a) 2
b) 3
c) 1
d) 4
Answer: a
Explanation: Isotropic materials have the same properties in all directions. The number of
independent elastic constants for such materials is 2. out of E, G, K, and μ, if any two constants are
known for any linear elastic and isotropic material than rest two can be derived. Examples are steel,
aluminium, copper, gold.
Orthotropic materials refer to layered structure such as wood or plywood. The number of independent
elastic constants for such materials is 9.
Non isotropic or anisotropic materials have different properties in different directions. They show non-
homogeneous behaviour. The number of elastic constants is 21.
22. How many elastic constants of a non homogeneous, non isotropic material will be?
a) 9
b) 15
c) 20
d) 21
Answer: d
Explanation: Non isotropic or anisotropic materials have different properties in different directions.
They show non- homogeneous behaviour. The number of elastic constants is 21.
23. . What is the limiting values of Poisson’s ratio?
a) -1 and 0.5
b) -1 and -0.5
c) -1 and -0.5
d) 0 and 0.5
Answer: d
Explanation: The value of Poisson s ratio varies from 0 to 0.5. For rubber, its value ranges from.45 to
0.50.
24. Which of the following type of composite is not classified under the category of number of layers?
a) Unidirectional fibre reinforced
b) Laminar
c) Sandwich panels
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

d) Glass-fibre reinforced
Answer: d
Explanation: Glass-fiber reinforced composite is not classified under the category of number of layers.
All the other options are classified under this category.
25. The matrix phase controls the environmental resistance of the composites.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Explanation: The matrix phase controls the environmental resistance of the composites. Since Polymer
Matrix Composites combine a resin system and reinforcing fibers, the properties of the resulting
composite material will combine something of the properties of the resin on its own with that of the
fibers on their own.
26. When fibers are used as a dispersed phase for the reinforcement of matrices, the resultant
composites are known as ____________
a) Glass-fiber reinforced
b) Carbon-fiber reinforced
c) Wood-fiber reinforced
d) Unidirectional-fiber reinforced
Answer: a
Explanation: When fibers are used as a dispersed phase for the reinforcement of matrices, the
resultant composites are known as glass-fiber reinforced. Glass-fiber reinforced composites should
have low density, high impact resistance, high tensile strength and excellent chemical and corrosion
resistance.
27. The principal applications of composites are in transportation industry, consumer products and
industrial and scientific equipment.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Explanation: The principal applications of composites are in transportation industry, consumer
products and industrial and scientific equipment. But composites can fail on the microscopic or
macroscopic scale. Compression failures can occur at both the macro scale or at each individual
reinforcing fiber in compression buckling. Tension failures can be net section failures of the part or
degradation of the composite at a microscopic scale where one or more of the layers in the composite
fail in tension of the matrix or failure of the bond between the matrix and fibers.
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

28. Find the longitudinal elastic modulus of a unidirectional glass/epoxy lamina with a 70% fiber
volume fraction. Use the properties of glass and epoxy. Ef = 85 GPa, Em = 3.4 GPa. Also, find the ratio of
the load taken by the fibers to that of the composite.

a) 60.52GPa, 0.9831
b) 70.32GPa, 1.0235
c) 63.24GPa, 0.9356
d) 58.236 GPa, 1.0352

29. Find the transverse Young’s modulus of a glass/epoxy lamina with a fiber volume fraction of 70%.
Use the properties of glass and epoxy. Ef = 85 GPa, Em = 3.4 GPa

a) 12.35 GPa
b) 10.37GPa
c) 15.36Gpa
d) 5.36GPa

30. Find the major and minor Poisson’s ratio of a glass/epoxy lamina with a 70% fiber volume fraction.
Use the properties of glass and epoxy. E1 = 60.52 GPa, E2 = 10.37 GPa & νf = 0.2., νm = 0.3.

a) 0.352, 0.03941
b) 0.230, 0.03941
c) 0.924,0.49232
d) 0.523,0.03254
31. Find the in-plane shear modulus of a glass/epoxy lamina with a 70% fiber volume fraction. Use
properties of glass and epoxy from Ef = 85 GPa, νf = 0.2., Em = 3.4 GPa, νm = 0.3.
a) 5.024 GPa
b) 4.014 Gpa
c) 6.235 GPa
d) 3.235 GPa
32. fiber volume fraction. Use the properties for glass and epoxy Ef = 85 GPa; Em = 3.4 GPa, νf = 0.2.,
νm = 0.3. Use equations obtained using the elasticity model.

a) 60.53 GPa
b) 65.53 Gpa
c) 70.53 GPa
d) 75.53 Gpa
33. Find the major Poisson’s ratio for a glass/epoxy lamina with a 70% fiber volume fraction. Use the
properties for glass and epoxy Ef = 85 GPa; Em = 3.4 GPa, νf = 0.2., νm = 0.3, Use equations obtained
using the elasticity model

a) 0.1235
b) 0.2238
c) 0.3568
d) 0.3245
34. Kevlar is a ______ type of material.
a) Glass
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

b) Thermoplastic
c) Whisker
d) Polymer
Answer: d
Explanation: Kevlar is a polymer type of fiber material. Kevlar-epoxy and Kevlar-polyester are
common fiber reinforced composites commonly used in aerospace applications, sports goods, flak
jackets etc.
35. Which of the following is not a characteristic trait of composite materials?
a) High strength, toughness, modulus
b) Lightweight
c) Easy to assemble
d) Sensitive to temperature change
Answer: d
Explanation: Composite materials have great mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, are easy
to assemble, and light in weight in case of fiber composites. They aren’t very sensitive to thermal
shocks and temperature changes. However, they are more expensive than conventional materials.
36. The below figure depicts the structure of ________ composite materials.

a) Discontinuous
b) Aligned
c) Laminate
d) Dispersion-strengthened
Answer: c
Explanation: A laminar composite is a subcategory type of structural composites with a varying
orientation for each layer. These composite materials are used for their high strength.
37. What amount of principle reinforcement materials is used in pultrusion process?
a) 10-20%
b) 25-35%
c) 40-70%
d) 75-90%
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SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

Answer: c
Explanation: The principle reinforcements used in pultrusion process are glass, carbon and aramid
fibers. These are added in concentrations between 40 to 70%. The matrix materials used are
polyesters, vinyl esters, and epoxy resins.
38. Calculate the weight fraction of the reinforcement if the weight of the reinforcement is 100 mg
and the weight of the composite is 200 mg.
a) 0.05
b) 2.00
c) 0.5
d) None of this
39. Which of the following have a greater impact on longitudinal strength of reinforced composites?
a) Fiber orientation
b) Fiber strength
c) Fiber length
d) Fiber diameter
Answer: b
Explanation: Longitudinal strength of reinforced composites is directly proportional to its fiber
strength.
40. Which of the following is correct dimensional of flake composites?
a) 1-Dimensional
b) 2-Dimensional
c) 3-Dimensional
d) 4-Dimensional
Answer: b
Explanation: Flake composites are two dimensional in nature and can be easily represented on a
plane of the paper.
Micromechanics
41. Sometimes during manufacturing of fibers, waviness appears on the surface of the composite. This
is usually due to: Where, αf = thermal expansion coefficient of fiber. αm =thermal expansion
coefficient of the matrix.
a) Orthotropy
b) αf ≠ αm
c) αf=αm
d) Anisotropy
42. Which of the following is usually the stronger constituent of a composite laminate?
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN COLLEGE OF
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DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

a) Matrix
b) Reinforcement
c) Both
d) None of the options are correct.
43. Which of following statements are true for Spray Lay-Up process?
I. Laminates tend to be very resin-rich and therefore excessively heavy.
II. Short as well as long fibers can be incorporated by this method.
III. Resins need to be low in viscosity.
a) I and II
b) II only
c) I and III
d) All
44. How many independent elastic constants are necessary to define an isotropic material?
a) 21
b) 9
c) 5
d) 2
45. Select the correct option for a balanced lamina.

a)
b)
c)
d)
46. For an isotropic material which of the following statement related to stiffness matrix [C] is
true?

a)
b)
c)
d)
47. Longitudinal axis of an orthotropic lamina makes an angle of 45° with the x axis. Find maximum
strength of lamina if it is subjected to a unidirectional tensile loading along x-axis. Use the maximum
work theory and take the following strength values for the lamina:
a) 19.23 MPa
b) 25.25 MPa
c) 7.33 MPa
d) 13.16 MPa
48. Which of the following materials has 21 independent elastic constants?
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN COLLEGE OF
ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

a) monoclinic material.
b) orthotropic material.
c) anisotropic material.
d) transversely isotropic material.
49. Matrices [A], [B] and [D] are called__________________________.
a) extensional, coupling, and bending stiffness matrices, respectively.
b) extensional, decoupling, and bending stiffness matrices, respectively.
c) coupling, bending, and extensional stiffness matrices, respectively.
d) None of the above.
50. Each stress component in a laminate ___________ of the laminate.
a) varies linearly.
b) is discontinuous across adjacent layer, but linear within a layer.
c) is constant.
d) None of these
51. Non-symmetric laminates undergo ________ when subjected to thermal loads.
a) warpage.
b) no warpage
c) failure
d) none of these
52. The extensional stiffness matrix [A] for a laminate will not change if
a) stacking sequence is changed.
b) angle of plies is changed.
c) elastic properties of the lamina are changed.
d) None of these
53. Mid-plane curvatures for a laminate are zero according to classical laminate theory if the
a) laminate is symmetric
b) laminate is asymmetric
c) laminate is symmetric and is subjected to only in-plane forces
d) D16 = D26 = 0
54. A laminate is called quasi-isotropic when its ……………… is similar to that of an isotropic material.
a) bending stiffness matrix
b) extensional stiffness matrix
c) coupling stiffness matrix
d) extensional and coupling stiffness matrix
55. Which of the following conditions exist for an orthotropic laminate with respect to in plane stresses
and strains?

a)
b)
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SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

c)
d)
56. The coupling between the extension and bending of the laminate introduced by the matrix [B] is
attributable to the..........
a) anisotropy of the layers.
b) orthotropy of the layers.
c) heterogeneity of the laminate.
d) all of these.
57. Which of the following laminates behave as a specially orthotropic material?
a) Angle-ply laminates.
b) Cross-ply laminates.
c) Anti-symmetric laminates.
d) All of these.
58. Mechanical properties of fiber -reinforced composite depend –
a) Properties of constituents
b) Interface strength
c) Fiber strength
d) All the above
59. Composite material are classified based on –
a) Type of matrix
b) Size and shape of reinforcements
c) Both
d) None
60. Hooke’s law states that within elastic limit, ______
a) stress is directly proportional to strain
b) stress is inversely proportional to strain
c) stress does not depend on strain
d) stress is equal to strain
Answer: a
Explanation: In the simplest form, the Hooke’s law states that within the elastic limit, stress is directly
proportional to strain.
∴ Stress ∝ Strain.
61. The generalised Hooke’s law equation connecting the strain to stress contains ___________ elastic
constants.
a) 40
b) 36
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SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

c) 39
d) 38
Answer: b
Explanation: The generalised Hooke’s law equation connecting the strain to stress contains 36 elastic
constants. These elastic constants are independent of the stress components at a point.
62. An elastic body is said to be homogeneous if there are ______ elastic constants.
a) 36
b) 20
c) 26
d) 30
Answer: a
Explanation: The generalised Hooke’s law equation connecting the strain to stress contains 36 elastic
constants. When there are only 36 constants, then the elastic body is said to be homogeneous.
63. An elastic body is said to be isotropic if the elastic constants are ______
a) same only in y- direction
b) same only in x- direction
c) different in al direction
d) same in all direction
Answer: d
Explanation: When the elastic constants are same in all the direction at a point in a soil body, then the
soil body is said to be isotropic. By considering the homogeneity and the isotropy, the number of
elastic constants reduces to only two.
64. In the generalised Hook’s law equation, εX=C11σx+ C12 (σY+σZ), the constant C11 is
__________
a) E
b) 1/E
c) 0
d) μ
Answer: b
Explanation: Let us consider the case of uniaxial stress,
σY=σZ=0
∴ εX=C11σx
∴ C11= εX/σx=1/E.
 DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN COLLEGE OF
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SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

65. In the generalised Hook’s law equation, εX=C11σx+ C12 (σY+σZ), the constant C12 is
__________
a) E
b) 1/E
c) –μ/E
d) μ
Answer: c
Explanation: Let us consider the case of uniaxial stress,
σY=σZ=0
∴ εX=C11σx
∴ C11= εX/σx=1/E and let, εY= εZ= C12σx
C12σx=E εX
∴ C12=(1/E)*( εY/ εX)
∴ C12=–μ/E.
66. The modulus of elasticity in MPa for very soft clay is __________
a) 2-15
b) 15-60
c) 50-81
d) 100-200
Answer: a
Explanation: The modulus of elasticity in MPa for very soft clay is 2-15 MPa. For loess it is 15-60
MPa. For dense sand it is 50-81 MPa. And for sand and gravel it is 100-200 MPa.
67. The maximum _________ stresses occur at top most fibre of a simply supported beam.
a) Tensile
b) Compressive
c) Shear
d) Bending
Answer: b
Explanation: As bending stress distribution is not uniform over the section in simply supported
beams, the maximum compressive stress lies above the neutral axis. Obviously, top most fibre of
beam. The maximum tensile stress occurs at bottom most fibre.
68. Determine the shear stress at the level of neutral axis, if a beam has a triangle cross section
having base “b” and altitude “h”. Let the shear force be subjected is F.
a) 3F/8bh
b) 4F/3bh
c) 8F/3bh
d) 3F/6bh
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SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

Answer: c
Explanation: For a triangular section subjected to shear force the shear stress in neutral
axis is Shear stress at NA = 4/3 [Average shear stress].
= 4/3 [F/0.5 bh] = 8F / 3bh.
69. The maximum shear stress is ______ times the average shear stress [For rectangular
beams].
a) 2.5
b) 3
c) 1.2
d) 1.5
Answer: d
Explanation: The maximum shear stress occurs at neutral axis. Then y = 0.
Max shear stress = 3F/2bd = 3/2 [F/bd].
= 1.5 Average shear stress.
70. Circumferential stress is same as of _________
a) Hoop stress
b) Longitudinal stress
c) Transverse stress
d) Phreatic stress
Answer: a
Explanation: In a thin cylindrical shell of internal radius r thickness t when subjected to
internal fluid pressure P, the stress developed in the internal walls can be termed as
circumferential stress or hoop stress.
P(h) = pr/t.
71. Up to which point on the stress-strain curve is Hooke’s law valid?
a) Elastic limit
b) Yield point
c) Proportionality limit
d) Fracture point.
Answer: c
Explanation: The proportionality limit is the point up till which the strain of an elastic body is
proportional to the stress applied on it. While elastic point is the point up till which the elastic
properties last. After fracture point the body breaks.
72. What is the unit for stress?
a) N/m2
b) Nm2
c) N/m
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SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

d) Nm
Answer: a
Explanation: Stress is basically forced upon the unit area. The dimension for force is N and the
dimension of area is m2. Therefore, the unit for stress is the dimension of force divided by that of
area which is N/mm2.
73. Strain is a dimensionless quantity.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Explanation: Strain is defined as the deformation produced on a body due to stress divided by a
length of the body. Deformation due to longitudinal strength will have the same unit as that of
length of the body therefore, strain is a dimensionless quantity.
74. Which of the following can be the value of Poisson’s ratio for an engineering structure?
a) 2
b) 0.4
c) 29
d) 100
Answer: b
Explanation: The Poisson’s ratio for most of the engineering structure normally lies between 0.3 and
0.6. Therefore 2, 29, 100 cannot be valid values for Poisson’s ratio.
75. Which of the following is found out by calculating the area under the stress strain graph?
a) Toughness
b) Hardness
c) Endurance
d) Strength
Answer: a
Explanation: Toughness is measured by calculating the area under the stress strain graph and is more
for most ductile material than brittle material which has more toughness than ductile material.
76. Which of the following is not a laminar composite?
a) Bimetallic
b) Cladding
c) Paints
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SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

d) Wood
Answer: d
Explanation: Wood is not a laminar composite. Bimetallic, cladding and paints are considered as
laminar composites.
77. The composite constituents of both matrix and reinforcements are softer.
a) True
b) False
Answer: b
Explanation: Matrix constituents are generally softer whereas reinforced constituents provide
hardness to the composites.
78. In sandwich composites, which of the following material can be used for filling purpose?
a) Wood
b) Cement
c) Polymer
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
Explanation: Wood, cement, and polymer can be used to fill the gap in sandwich composites.
79. Which of the following have a greater impact on longitudinal strength of reinforced composites?
a) Fiber orientation
b) Fiber strength
c) Fiber length
d) Fiber diameter
Answer: b
Explanation: Longitudinal strength of reinforced composites is directly proportional to its fiber
strength.
80. Which of the following may alter the mechanical properties of reinforced composites?
a) Constituent properties
b) Fiber length
c) Fiber orientation
d) All of the mentioned
Answer: d
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SUBJECT : COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND STRUCTURE

Explanation: Constituent properties, fiber length etc affect the overall property of reinforced
composites.