A detailed coverage of current polymer, metal and ceramic matrix composite systems, focusing on their performance envelope, advantages and limitations. The units will cover the following: The components and their attributes - an overview (reinforcements, matrices and interfaces), (3 hrs), Properties of the matrix materials (Thermosets/thermoplastics, metals, ceramics, structure and mechanical behaviour), (2 hrs), Properties of fibres and particles (Glass fibres, organic fibres, carbon fibres, ceramic particles and fibres; processing, structure, mechanical response), (2 hrs), Composite manufacture (Plies, weaves, preforms, moulding, pultrusion, filament winding, powder metallurgy, casting spraying), (2 hrs), Mechanics of reinforcement (Rule of mixtures, anisotropy, laminate structures, stress- strain response), (2 hrs), Basic stress analysis and failure mechanisms (Stress transfer and partitioning, multiple failure events, progression of fracture, toughness), (5 hrs), Fatigue design considerations (Damage progression, reinforcement effects); (4 hrs).