Woodhead Publishing Composite Materials: Engineering and Science (Woodhead Publishing Series in Composites Science and Engineering)

The purpose of this wide-ranging introductory textbook is to provide a basic understanding of the underlying science as well as the engineering applications of composite materials. It explains how composite materials, with their advantageous properties of high strength, stiffness and low weight, are formed, and discusses the nature of the different types of reinforcement and matrix and their interaction. Methods of production, examples of typical applications and essential data are all included. The book is based on a long-running course at Imperial College London and the numerous worked examples and self-assessment exercises provide an excellent grounding for senior undergraduate and graduate courses in materials science, engineering and physics. It will also be invaluable to any designer or professional engineer new to the composite materials field. Contents: Reinforcements and the reinforcement-matrix interface; Composites with metallic matrices; Ceramic matrix composites; Polymer matrix composites; Stiffness, strength and related topics; Stiffness of unidirectional composites and laminates; Micromechanics of unidirectional composites; Strength of unidirectional composites and laminates; Short fibre composites; Fracture mechanics and toughening mechanisms; Impact resistance; Fatigue and environmental effects; Joining; Non-destructive testing.