Computational Mechanics Of Composite Materials

Computational Mechanics of Composite Materials lays stress on the advantages of combining theoretical advancements in applied mathematics and mechanics with the probabilistic approach to experimental data in meeting the practical needs of engineers. Features: Programs for the probabilistic homogenisation of composite structures with finite numbers of components allow composites to be treated as homogeneous materials with simpler behaviours. Treatment of defects in the interfaces within heterogeneous materials and those arising in composite objects as a whole by stochastic modelling. New models for the reliability of composite structures. Novel numerical algorithms for effective Monte-Carlo simulation. Computational Mechanics of Composite Materials will be of interest to academic and practising civil, mechanical, electronic and aerospatial engineers, to materials scientists and to applied mathematicians requiring accurate and usable models of the behaviour of composite materials.

The use of composite materials has grown exponentially in the last decades and has affected many engineering fields due to their enhanced mechanical properties and improved features with respect to conventional materials. For instance, they are employed in civil engineering (seismic isolators, long-span bridges, vaults), mechanical engineering (turbines, machine components), aerospace and naval engineering (fuselages, boat hulls and sails), automotive engineering (car bodies, tires), and biomechanical engineering (prostheses).Nevertheless, the greater use of composites requires a rapid progress in gaining the needed knowledge to design and manufacture composite structures. Thus, researchers and designers devote their own efforts to develop new analysis techniques, design methodologies, manufacturing procedures, micromechanics approaches, theoretical models, and numerical methods. For these purpose, it is extremely easy to find many recent journal papers, books, and technical notes, focused on the mechanics of composites. In particular, several studies are presented to take advantage of their superior features by varying some typical structural parameters (such as geometry, fiber orientations, volume fraction, structural stiffness, weight, lamination scheme). Therefore, this Conference aims to collect contributions from every part of the globe that can increase the knowledge of composite materials and their applications, by engaging researches and professional engineers and designers from different sectors. The same aims and scopes have been reached by the previous editions of Mechanics of Composites International Conferences (MECHCOMP), which occurred in 2014 at Stony Brook University (USA) and in 2016 at University of Porto (Portugal).

Themethodologyfordesigninghigh-performancecompositestructuresisstill evo- ing. The complexity of the response of composite materials and the dif?culties in predicting the composite material properties from the basic properties of the c- stituents result in the need for a well-planned and exhaustive test program. The recommended practice to mitigate the technological risks associated with advanced composite materials is to substantiate the performance and durability of the design in a sequence of steps known as the Building Block Approach. The Building Block Approach ensures that cost and performance objectives are met by testing greater numbers of smaller, less expensive specimens. In this way, technology risks are assessed early in the program. In addition, the knowledge acquired at a given level of structural complexity is built up before progressing to a level of increased complexity. Achieving substantiation of structural performance by testing alone can be p- hibitively expensive because of the number of specimens and components required to characterize all material systems, loading scenarios and boundary conditions. Building Block Approachprogramscan achieve signi?cant cost reductionsby se- ing a synergy between testing and analysis. The more the development relies on analysis, the less expensive it becomes. The use of advanced computational models for the prediction of the mechanical response of composite structures can replace some of the mechanical tests and can signi?cantly reduce the cost of designing with composites while providing to the engineers the information necessary to achieve an optimized design.

Mechanical properties of composite materials can be improved by tailoring their microstructures. Optimal microstructures of composites, which ensure desired properties of composite materials, can be determined in computational experiments. The subject of this book is the computational analysis of interrelations between mechanical properties (e.g., strength, damage resistance stiffness) and microstructures of composites. The methods of mesomechanics of composites are reviewed, and applied to the modelling of the mechanical behaviour of different groups of composites. Individual chapters are devoted to the computational analysis of the microstructure- mechanical properties relationships of particle reinforced composites, functionally graded and particle clusters reinforced composites, interpenetrating phase and unidirectional fiber reinforced composites, and machining tools materials.

Computational Modeling of Polymer Composites: A Study of Creep and Environmental Effects details the development of polymeric materials and their use in smart materials and composite structures in aerospace and automotive industries. Based on the authors' work during the past 30 years, this book provides a strong understanding of the theories and a

Composite materials are increasingly used in aerospace, underwater, and automotive structures. They provide unique advantages over their metallic counterparts, but also create complex challenges to analysts and designers. Practical Analysis of Composite Laminates presents a summary of the equations governing composite laminates and provides practical methods for analyzing most common types of composite structural elements. Experimental results for several types of structures are included, and theoretical and experimental correlations are discussed. The last chapter is devoted to practical analysis using Designing Advanced Composites (DAC), a PC-based software on the subject. This comprehensive text can be used for a graduate course in mechanical engineering, and as a valuable reference for professionals in the field.

Numerical Modelling of Failure in Advanced Composite Materials comprehensively examines the most recent analysis techniques for advanced composite materials. Advanced composite materials are becoming increasingly important for lightweight design in aerospace, wind energy, and mechanical and civil engineering. Essential for exploiting their potential is the ability to reliably predict their mechanical behaviour, particularly the onset and propagation of failure. Part One investigates numerical modeling approaches to interlaminar failure in advanced composite materials. Part Two considers numerical modelling approaches to intralaminar failure. Part Three presents new and emerging advanced numerical algorithms for modeling and simulation of failure. Part Four closes by examining the various engineering and scientific applications of numerical modeling for analysis of failure in advanced composite materials, such as prediction of impact damage, failure in textile composites, and fracture behavior in through-thickness reinforced laminates. Examines the most recent analysis models for advanced composite materials in a coherent and comprehensive manner Investigates numerical modelling approaches to interlaminar failure and intralaminar failure in advanced composite materials Reviews advanced numerical algorithms for modeling and simulation of failure Examines various engineering and scientific applications of numerical modelling for analysis of failure in advanced composite materials