Design and Analysis of Composite Structures: With Applications to Aerospace Structures, 2nd Edition

Preface to First Edition

This book is a compilation of analysis and design methods for structural components made of advanced composites. The term “advanced composites” is used here somewhat loosely and refers to materials consisting of a high-performance fibre (graphite, glass, Kevlar®, etc.) embedded in a polymeric matrix (epoxy, bismaleimide, PEEK, etc.). The material in this book is the product of lecture notes used in graduate-level classes in Advanced Composites Design and Optimization courses taught at the Delft University of Technology.

The book is aimed at fourth year undergraduate or graduate-level students and starting engineering professionals in the composites industry. The reader is expected to be familiar with classical laminated-plate theory (CLPT) and first ply failure criteria. Also, some awareness of energy methods and Rayleigh–Ritz approaches will make some of the solution methods easier to follow. In addition, basic applied mathematics knowledge such as Fourier series, simple solutions of partial differential equations and calculus of variations are subjects that the reader should have some familiarity with.

A series of attractive properties of composites such as high stiffness and strength-to-weight ratios, reduced sensitivity to cyclic loads, improved corrosion resistance and, above all, the ability to tailor the configuration (geometry and stacking sequence) to specific loading conditions for optimum performance has made them a prime candidate material ...