A major basic text on the theory and structural applications of laminated anisotropic plates. Detailed coverage of problems of bending under transverse load, stability, and free-vibrations, as well as laminated beams, expansional strain effects, curved plates, and free-edge effects.

A major basic text on the theory and structural applications of laminated anisotropic plates. Detailed coverage of problems of bending under transverse load, stability, and free-vibrations, as well as laminated beams, expansional strain effects, curved plates, and free-edge effects.

The second edition of this popular text provides complete, detailed coverage of the various theories, analytical solutions, and finite element models of laminated composite plates and shells. The book reflects advances in materials modeling in general and composite materials and structures in particular. It includes a chapter dedicated to the theory and analysis of laminated shells, discussions on smart structures and functionally graded materials, exercises and examples, and chapters that were reorganized from the first edition to improve the clarity of the presentation.

Mechanics of Textile and Laminated Composites is in three parts. The first part (Chapters 1 and 2) covers the fundamental issues of 3-D theory of elasticity and presents the theory of elasticity of an anisotropic body with comprehensive analysis of its specific cases. The second part (Chapters 3-5) presents the theoretical and experimental characterization of the elastic properties of unidirectional, textile and layered composite materials. The final part (Chapters 6 and 7) addresses the problems of 3-D stress analysis in laminated and textile composite structures. Major emphasis is placed on textile composites, perhaps the most complex and at the same time most promising group of composite materials. One of the most important features of this book is that it provides accurate and efficient 3-D analysis of laminated and textile reinforced structures, using novel methods. It has become more and more evident in recent years that, in many practical design situations, such full-scale 3-D analyses are required. Researchers, designers and engineers working with composite materials and structures will find this book an invaluable addition to their libraries.

Composite materials are increasingly used in aerospace, underwater, and automotive structures. To take advantage of the full potential of composite materials, structural analysts and designers must have accurate mathematical models and design methods at their disposal. The objective of this monograph is to present the laminated plate theories and their finite element models to study the deformation, strength and failure of composite structures. Emphasis is placed on engineering aspects, such as the analytical descriptions, effective analysis tools, modeling of physical features, and evaluation of approaches used to formulate and predict the response of composite structures. The first chapter presents an overview of the text. Chapter 2 is devoted to the introduction of the definitions and terminology used in composite materials and structures. Anisotropic constitutive relations and Iaminate plate theories are also reviewed. Finite element models of laminated composite plates are presented in Chapter 3. Numerical evaluation of element coefficient matrices, post-computation of strains and stresses, and sample examples of laminated plates in bending and vibration are discussed. Chapter 4 introduces damage and failure criteria in composite laminates. Finally, Chapter 5 is dedicated to case studies involving various aspects and types of composite structures. Joints, cutouts, woven composites, environmental effects, postbuckling response and failure of composite laminates are discussed by considering specific examples.

Offers information on the fundamental principles, processes, methods and procedures related to fibre-reinforced composites. The book presents a comparative view, and provides design properties of polymeric, metal, ceramic and cement matrix composites. It also gives current test methods, joining techniques and design methodologies.