Introduction to Composite Materials for Engineering

The economic importance of composite materials is now well known. There are strong indications everywhere that this importance will be increasing in the future. Composite materials now occupy an established position in the aerospace industry. They are also used for many components in the automotive industry and civil infrastructures now have their reinforcements made of composite materials. There is a large range of manufacturing processes for the production of low-cost composites. There is a need by engineers working in composites for a practical source of reference for the fundamentals of composites. This book fills that need. In the educational sector, composite materials now are taught at many universities around the world. Usually the topic covered is laminate theory. Composites Design courses also exist in a few universities and institutes. The demand from students and also practitioners of composites for knowledge and training in design and manufacturing of composites is increasing. However a good design book has not been available.