The aim of this book is to introduce fibre reinforced composite materials to the educated reader who may have little or no previous knowledge of the subject. Following a brief history of composite development and a review of composite applications, the main text begins with an introduction to the types of fibre used and a discussion of their respective individual properties. Chapter 3 considers organic matrices and their behaviour, reviewing all the most commonly encountered polymer matrix systems. Composite manufacturing techniques are then discussed, including those methods employed in the production of advanced metal and ceramic matrix composites. The remaining chapters are devoted to largely theoretical treatments of composite behavior, with emphasis on the understanding of damage mechanisms such as cracking, delamination and fibre breakage. Where a mathematical approach is required, an attempt is made to relate the sometimes rather abstract notions back to the structure of the material being discussed."--Page 4 of cover.

"With extensive sets of sample problems accompanying each chapter, Fundamentals of Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials is ideally suited to undergraduate and graduate students of materials science, structural, mechanical and aeronautical engineering polymer science, metallurgy, physics and chemistry. It will also be of use as a reference to researchers working with composite materials and material scientists in general."--Page 4 of cover.