Since the 1960s, research has been conducted into the use of flywheels as energy storage systems. The-proposed applications include energy storage for hybrid and electric automobiles, attitude control and energy storage for satellites, and uninterruptible power supplies for hospitals and computer centers. For many years, however, the use of flywheels for space applications was restricted by the total weight of a system employing a metal rotor. With recent technological advances in the manufacturing of composite materials, however, lightweight composite rotors have begun to be proposed for such applications. Flywheels with composite rotors provide much higher power and energy storage capabilities than conventional chemical batteries. However, the failure of a high speed flywheel rotor could be a catastrophic event. For this reason, flywheel rotors are classified by the NASA Fracture Control Requirements Standard as fracture critical parts. Currently, there is no industry standard to certify a composite rotor for safe and reliable operation forth( required lifetime of the flywheel. Technical problems hindering the development of this standard include composite manufacturing inconsistencies, insufficient nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques for detecting defects and/or impact damage, lack of standard material test methods for characterizing composite rotor design allowables, and no unified proof (over-spin) test for flight rotors. As part of a flywheel rotor safe-life certification pro-ram funded b the government, a review of the state of the art in composite rotors is in progress. The goal of the review is to provide a clear picture of composite flywheel rotor technologies. The literature review has concentrated on the following topics concerning composites and composite rotors: durability (fatigue) and damage tolerance (safe-life) analysis/test methods, in-service NDE and health monitoring techniques, spin test methods/ procedures, and containment options. This

"The 14th ASTM Symposium on Composite Materials: Testing and Design, was held March 11-12, 2002 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Testing and Design symposia, sponsored by Committee D30 on Composite Materials, have been scheduled on a roughly bi-yearly basis since 1969 to provide a forum for researchers and practitioners to meet and exchange their latest methods and findings related to the testing and design of composite materials and structures."

'Anyone wanting to learn quickly about the latest developments in energy storage should read this book. It provides enough technical depth for the reader to understand the advantages and limitations of the various storage methods, and sufficient references to enable the reader to dig more deeply into the technical details.'IEEE Journals & MagazinesThe subject of energy storage is extremely important for the increased utilization of renewable energies such as solar and wind energy in times when their sources (e.g. the sun and wind) are unavailable. The ability to store energy can also level out the demand curve for electricity and thus lead to a decrease in the peak requirements of energy production. A storage system for ground transportation is also important as a potential replacement for fossil fuel powered transportation.Energy Storage offers a comprehensive look at the possible approaches to energy storage, which are relevant to various situations; from smoothing demand in electrical energy production, applications of energy storage, to transportation. The book covers a variety of approaches to the storage of energy. Beginning with a discussion of the critical importance of energy storage, the book discusses various possible storage options including hydro storage, compressed air energy storage, and electrical and chemical storage in batteries, capacitors and fuel cells. There is also a chapter on the mechanical storage of energy with flywheels using advanced materials. The various applications to power production and transportation are also included. The expertise and active involvement of the authors of the various chapters ensures that the information is reliable, current, and forward looking.

Energy Storage discusses the needs of the world's future energy and climate change policies, covering the various types of renewable energy storage in one comprehensive volume that allows readers to conveniently compare the different technologies and find the best process that suits their particularly needs. Each chapter is written by an expert working in the field and includes copious references for those wishing to study the subject further. Various systems are discussed, including mechanical/kinetic, thermal, electrochemical and other chemical, as well as other emerging technologies. Incorporating the advancements in storing energy as described in this book will help the people of the world further overcome the problems related to future energy and climate change. - Covers most types of energy storage that is being considered today, and allows comparisons to be made - Each chapter is written by a world expert in the field, providing the latest developments is this fast moving and vital field - Covers technical, environmental, social and political aspects related to the storing of energy and in particular renewable energy

Long-Term Durability of Polymeric Matrix Composites presents a comprehensive knowledge-set of matrix, fiber and interphase behavior under long-term aging conditions, theoretical modeling and experimental methods. This book covers long-term constituent behavior, predictive methodologies, experimental validation and design practice. Readers will also find a discussion of various applications, including aging air craft structures, aging civil infrastructure, in addition to engines and high temperature applications.