The Behavior Of Structures Composed Of Composite Materials

Composite structures and products have developed tremendously since the publication of the first edition of this work in 1986. This new edition of the now classic 1986 text has been written to educate the engineering reader in the various aspects of mechanics for using composite materials in the design and analysis of composite structures and products. Areas dealt with include manufacture, micromechanical properties, structural design, joints and bonding and a much needed introduction to composite design philosophy. Each chapter is concluded by numerous problems suitable for home assignments or examination. A solution guide is available on request from the authors.

Shell structures are used in all phases of structures, from space vehicles to deep submergence hulls, from nuclear reactors to domes on sport arenas and civic buildings. With new materials and manufacturing methods, curved thin walled structures are being used increasingly. This text is a graduate course in the theory of shells. It covers shells of isotropic materials, such as metal alloys and plastics, and shells of composite materials, such as fibre reinforced polymer, metal or ceramic matrix materials. It provides the essential information for an understanding of the underlying theory, and solution of some of the basic problems. It also provides a basis to study the voluminous shell literature. Beyond being primarily a textbook, it is intended also for self study by practising engineers who would like to learn more about the behaviour of shells. The book has two parts: Part I deals with shells of isotropic materials. In this part the mathematical formulations are introduced involving curvilinear coordinates. The techniques of solutions and resulting behavior is compared to planar thin walled isotropic structures such as plates and beams. Part II then treats the behavior of shells, involving anisotropic composite materials, so widely used today. The analysis involves the complications due to the many elastic constants, effects of transverse shear deformation, thermal thickening and offer effects arising from the properties of composite materials.

The Behavior of Sandwich Structures of Isotropic and Composite Materials presents the mathematics, descriptions, and analytical techniques in the growing field of sandwich structures. From a background in sandwich structures to thermoelastic problems of sandwich structures and sandwich shell theory, the book provides the knowledge needed to analyze, design, and optimize various sandwich structures. As one would expect from a book on sandwich structures, this volume discusses special failure modes such as face wrinkling and core shear instability. Coverage includes not only honeycomb cores, but also foam, web, and truss cores. An important topic in composite structure design, optimization is explored in two chapters on sandwich plates and sandwich shells. The author presents the optimization techniques in closed form and the methods are applicable to material selection and geometric design. The book also contains a set of problems and references at the end of each chapter. This text is ideal for engineers-in-training, as well as practical engineers who desire a comprehensive understanding of sandwich structures technology.

An increase in the use of composite materials has led to a greater demand for engineers versed in the design of structures made from such materials. This book demonstrates advanced concepts and emphasises structures. More than 300 illustrations, 50 fully worked problems, and material properties data sets are included.

This collection of recent activities provides researchers and scientists with the latest trends in characterization and developments of composed materials and structures. Here, the expression ‘composed materials’ indicates a wider range than the expression ‘composite material’ which is many times limited to classical fibre reinforced plastics. The idea of composed structures and materials is to join different components in order to obtain in total better properties than one of the single constituents can provide. In this collection, well known experts present their research on composed materials such as textile composites, sandwich plates, hollow sphere structures, reinforced concrete as well as classical fibre reinforced materials.

A compact presentation of the foundations, current state of the art, recent developments and research directions of all essential techniques related to the mechanics of composite materials and structures. Special emphasis is placed on classic and recently developed theories of composite laminated beams, plates and shells, micromechanics, impact and damage analysis, mechanics of textile structural composites, high strain rate testing and non-destructive testing of composite materials and structures. Topics of growing importance are addressed, such as: numerical methods and optimisation, identification and damage monitoring. The latest results are presented on the art of modelling smart composites, optimal design with advanced materials, and industrial applications. Each section of the book is written by internationally recognised experts who have dedicated most of their research work to a particular field. Readership: Postgraduate students, researchers and engineers in the field of composites. Undergraduate students will benefit from the treatment of the foundations of the mechanics of composite materials and structures.

Composite materials have been representing most significant breakthroughs in various industrial applications, particularly in aerospace structures, during the past thirty five years. The primary goal of Advanced Mechanics of Composite Materials is the combined presentation of advanced mechanics, manufacturing technology, and analysis of composite materials. This approach lets the engineer take into account the essential mechanical properties of the material itself and special features of practical implementation, including manufacturing technology, experimental results, and design characteristics. Giving complete coverage of the topic: from basics and fundamentals to the advanced analysis including practical design and engineering applications. At the same time including a detailed and comprehensive coverage of the contemporary theoretical models at the micro- and macro- levels of material structure, practical methods and approaches, experimental results, and optimisation of composite material properties and component performance. The authors present the results of more than 30 year practical experience in the field of design and analysis of composite materials and structures. * Eight chapters progressively covering all structural levels of composite materials from their components through elementary plies and layers to laminates * Detailed presentation of advanced mechanics of composite materials * Emphasis on nonlinear material models (elasticity, plasticity, creep) and structural nonlinearity