This book is concerned with the often very complex problems composite materials can present in the testing of their structural performance.

Testing of composite materials can present complex problems but is essential in order to ensure the reliable, safe and cost-effective performance of any engineering structure. This essentially practical book, complied from the contributions of leading professionals in the field, describes a wide range of test methods which can be applied to various types of advanced fibre composites. The book focuses on high modulus, high strength fibre/plastic composites and also covers highly anisotrpoic materials such as carbon, aramid and glass.Engineers and designers specifying the use of materials in structures will find this book an invaluable guide to best practice throughout the range of industrial sectors where FRCs are employed.

Mechanical and Physical Testing of Biocomposites, Fibre-Reinforced Composites and Hybrid Composites covers key aspects of fracture and failure in natural/synthetic fiber reinforced polymer based composite materials, ranging from crack propagation, to crack growth, and from notch-size effect, to damage-tolerant design. Topics of interest include mechanical properties, such as tensile, flexural, compression, shear, impact, fracture toughness, low and high velocity impact, and anti-ballistic properties of natural fiber, synthetic fibers and hybrid composites materials. It also covers physical properties, such as density, water absorption, thickness swelling, and void content of composite materials fabricated from natural or synthetic materials. Written by leading experts in the field, and covering composite materials developed from different natural fibers and their hybridization with synthetic fibers, the book's chapters provide cutting-edge, up-to-date research on the characterization, analysis and modelling of composite materials. - Contains contributions from leading experts in the field - Discusses recent progress on failure analysis, SHM, durability, life prediction and the modelling of damage in natural fiber-based composite materials - Covers experimental, analytical and numerical analysis - Provides detailed and comprehensive information on mechanical properties, testing methods and modelling techniques

The marine environment presents significant challenges for materials due to the potential for corrosion by salt water, extreme pressures when deeply submerged and high stresses arising from variable weather. Well-designed fibre-reinforced composites can perform effectively in the marine environment and are lightweight alternatives to metal components and more durable than wood. Marine Applications of Advanced Fibre-Reinforced Composites examines the technology, application and environmental considerations in choosing a fibre-reinforced composite system for use in marine structures. This book is divided into two parts. The chapters in Part One explore the manufacture, mechanical behavior and structural performance of marine composites, and also look at the testing of these composites and end of life environmental considerations. The chapters in Part Two then investigate the applications of marine composites, specifically for renewable energy devices, offshore oil and gas applications, rigging and sails. Underwater repair of marine composites is also reviewed. - Comprehensively examines all aspects of fibre-reinforced marine composites, including the latest advances in design, manufacturing methods and performance - Assesses the environmental impacts of using fibre-reinforced composites in marine environments, including end of life considerations - Reviews advanced fibre-reinforced composites for renewable energy devices, rigging, sail textiles, sail shape optimisation and offshore oil and gas applications

Fiber-reinforced composites are exceptionally versatile materials whose properties can be tuned to exhibit a variety of favorable properties such as high tensile strength and resistance against wear or chemical and thermal influences. Consequently, these materials are widely used in various industrial fields such as the aircraft, marine, and automobile industry. After an overview of the general structures and properties of hybrid fiber composites, the book focuses on the manufacturing and processing of these materials and their mechanical performance, including the elucidation of failure mechanisms. A comprehensive chapter on the modeling of hybrid fiber composites from micromechanical properties to macro-scale material behavior is followed by a review of applications of these materials in structural engineering, packaging, and the automotive and aerospace industries.

This book provides a comprehensive account of developments in the area of lightweight polymer composites. It encompasses design and manufacturing methods for the lightweight polymer structures, various techniques, and a broad spectrum of applications. The book highlights fundamental research in lightweight polymer structures and integrates various aspects from synthesis to applications of these materials. Features Serves as a one stop reference with contributions from leading researchers from industry, academy, government, and private research institutions across the globe Explores all important aspects of lightweight polymer composite structures Offers an update of concepts, advancements, challenges, and application of lightweight structures Current status, trends, future directions, and opportunities are discussed, making it friendly for both new and experienced researchers.

Polymer matrix composites are increasingly replacing traditional materials, such as metals, for applications in the aerospace, automotive and marine industries. Because of the relatively recent development of these composites there is extensive on-going research to improve the understanding and modelling of their behaviour – particularly their failure processes. As a consequence there is a strong demand among design engineers for the latest information on this behaviour in order to fully exploit the potential of these materials for a wide range of weight-sensitive applications. Failure mechanisms in polymer matrix composites explores the main types of composite failure and examines their implications in specific applications.Part one discusses various failure mechanisms, including a consideration of manufacturing defects and addressing a variety of loading forms such as impact and the implications for structural integrity. This part also reviews testing techniques and modelling methods for predicting potential failure in composites. Part two investigates the effects of polymer-matrix composite failure in a range of industries including aerospace, automotive and other transport, defence, marine and off-shore applications. Recycling issues and environmental factors affecting the use of composite materials are also considered.With its distinguished editors and international team of expert contributors Failure mechanisms in polymer matrix composites is a valuable reference for designers, scientists and research and development managers working in the increasing range of industries in which composite materials are extensively used. The book will also be a useful guide for academics studying in the composites field. - Discusses various failure mechanisms, including manufacturing defects - Reviews testing techniques and modelling methods for predicting potential failure - Investigates failure in aerospace, automotive, defence, marine and off-shore applications

Concern about global warming has led to renewed interest in the more sustainable use of natural fibres in composite materials. This important book reviews the wealth of recent research into improving the mechanical properties of natural-fibre thermoplastic composites so that they can be more widely used.The first part of the book provides an overview of the main types of natural fibres used in composites, how they are processed and, in particular, the way the fibre-matrix interface can be engineered to improve performance. Part two discusses the increasing use of natural-fibre composites in such areas as automotive and structural engineering, packaging and the energy sector. The final part of the book discusses ways of assessing the mechanical performance of natural-fibre composites.With its distinguished editor and team of contributors, Properties and performance of natural-fibre composites is a valuable reference for all those using these important materials in such areas as automotive and structural engineering. - Provides an overview of the types of natural fibres used in composites - Discusses fibre-matrix interface and how it can be engineered to improve performance - Examines the increasing use of natural-fibre composites in automotive and structural engineering and the packaging and energy sector

Given such advantages as low weight compared to strength and toughness, laminated composites are now used in a wide range of applications. Their increasing use has underlined the need to understand their principal mode of failure, delamination. This important book reviews key research in understanding and preventing delamination.The first part of the book reviews general issues such as the role of fracture mechanics in understanding delamination, design issues and ways of testing delamination resistance. Part two describes techniques for detecting and characterising delamination such as piezoelectric sensors, the use of lamb waves and acoustic emission techniques. The next two sections of the book discuss ways of studying and modelling delamination behaviour. The final part of the book reviews research on delamination behaviour in particular conditions such as shell and sandwich structures, z-pin bridging and resin bonding.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Delamination behaviour of composites is a standard reference for all those researching laminated composites and using them in such diverse applications as microelectronics, aerospace, marine, automotive and civil engineering. - Reviews the role of fracture mechanics in understanding delamination, design issues and ways of testing delamination resistance - Discuss ways of studying and modelling delamination behaviour - A standard reference for all those researching laminated composites