Structural Composite Materials

This book deals with all aspects of advanced composite materials; what they are, where they are used, how they are made, their properties, how they are designed and analyzed, and how they perform in-service. It covers both continuous and discontinuous fiber composites fabricated from polymer, metal, and ceramic matrices, with an emphasis on continuous fiber polymer matrix composites. The unique feature of this book is that it provides a comprehensive overview of composite materials at the introductory to intermediate level from an industrial perspective. Other books on composite materials stress theory more than practical applications. Throughout this book, practical aspects--based on the author's 38 years of industrial experience--are emphasized more than theory.