Syllabus for Comprehensive Examination

1. MATHEMATICS
Linear Algebra : Matrices, Vectors, Determinants, Solution of linear systems, Vector
spaces, Matrix eigen value problems, Diagonalization.
ODE : First order ODEs; (Modelling, Separable ODEs, Exact ODEs, Linear ODEs), Second
order ODEs; (Homogeneous linear ODEs with constant coefficients, Euler-Caushy
Equations, Non-homogeneous ODEs), Higher order Linear ODEs with constant
coefficients, Variable coefficient ODEs; (Power series method, Legendre Equation).
Fourier Analysis : Fourier series, Fourier integral, Fourier transforms.
PDE : Modelling, Solution by separating variables, D’Alembert’s solution of hyperbolic
PDE, Solution of PDE by integral transforms.
Complex Analysis : Complex numbers and functions, Complex differentiation, Cauchy-
Riemann equation, Complex integration, Cauchy’s integral theorem, Conformal
mapping.
2. COMPOSITES

Concepts of solid mechanics

3-D constitutive equations : Generalized Hooke’s law, Material symmetry, Engineering

constants, Coordinate transformations, Thermal and moisture effects

Plane stress constitutive equations : Plane stress stiffness and compliance, Constitutive
equations in material coordinates, Lamina engineering constants, Measurement of
material engineering constants, Invariant properties of reduced stiffness, Thermal and
moisture effects.

Lamination theory : Classical laminate theory, Laminate constitutive relations, Different

types of laminates, Laminate engineering constants, Thermo-elastic lamination theory,
Hygrothermal laminate analysis, through –thickness properties.

Interlaminar stresses, Modes of failure, Macroscopic failure theories; (Maximum stress

theory, Maximum strain theory, Tsai-hill theory, Tsai-Wu theory).
 Micromechanics : Effective properties, Strength of materials approach, Continuum
approaches: (Concept of equivalent homogeneity, Volumetric averaging, Hill’s
concentration factor approach)

3. FINITE ELEMENT METHODS

Elements of calculus of variations, Integral formulations; (weighted integral and weak

formulation, Functionals), Variational methods; (Ritz method, Method of weighted
residuals).

Second order differential equation in 1-D – Finite element model (1-D bar problem);
(Legrange interpolation function, Hierarchic shape functions).

Fourth order differential equation in 1-D – Finite element model (1-D beam bending
problem); (Hermit cubic interpolation functions)

Single Variable problems in 2-D ; (Interpolation functions, Triangular elements,

Rectangular elements, Serendipity elements, Hermit cubic interpolation functions)

Plane elasticity problem.

4. STRUCTURES I AND II
Free body diagram, Equilibrium equations, 3_D truss problems.
Bending moment and shear force.
Introduction to theory of elasticity : Stress, Strain, constitutive relations, equilibrium
equations, Plane stress and Plane strain problems.
Bending of beams : Symmetrical and unsymmetrical sections, temperature effects, non-
homogeneous materials, modulus weighted sectional properties, thin walled sections,
deflection of beams.
Torsion of circular and non-circular sections : Thin-walled sections, single and multiple
closed cell sections.
Shear in thin walled sections : Shear centre and multiple cell sections, combined
bending and torsion.
Euler’s buckling of columns.
Classical plate theory, Buckling of beams, Perturbation or imperfection approach, Plate
buckling, Shells (Introduction).