The behavior of structures composed of composite materials. (Q1872922)

Other than with isotropic material, the inhomogeneity and anisotropy of structures composed of composite materials require a new way of thinking and acting in design and analysis. This standard textbook for first-year students at American universities aims at educating and training the corresponding skills. Rapid development of knowledge in this field necessitated an update of the first edition [for the review see (1986; Zbl 0616.73061)]. After introductory remarks on constituent properties, manufacturing processes and application areas, chapter two develops the material laws of laminas and laminates. The next three chapters are concerned with plates, beams and shells out of fibre composite materials. In addition to the classical theory based on the Kirchhoff hypothesis, the effects of transverse shear deformation as well as of temperature and moisture changes are often accounted for. Solutions of the governing differential equations are provided, but thorough discussions of the models and results are missing. In chapter six, the minimum energy principle and Reissner's variational theorem are used to find approximate solutions for the behaviour of composite plates and beams under static and dynamic loads. In each case, trial functions are defined over the total structure, finite element solutions are not treated. The discussion of failure theories in chapter seven is restricted to maximum stress, maximum strain and interpolation criteria; recent developments towards a more physically based approach considering the material inhomogeneity are disregarded. Pros and cons of adhesive bonding and mechanical fastening for joining of composite material structures are outlined in chapter eight. The book ends with some introductory remarks to the multifaceted process of composite design. Appendices include micromechanical formulas for material homogenisation, test standards, and a list of material properties. A considerable number of exercises at the end of each chapter underline the textbook character. Furthermore, simplicity in the presentation has been given a high priority. In a few cases, that even compromises a detailed and precise procedure description, this allows to concentrate on the main subjects.