Mechanics of Composite Materials

In 1997, Kaw presented the first edition of his highly acclaimed book, Mechanics of Composite Materials, with detailed and comprehensive examples. He also introduced Promal software, a groundbreaking tool for the analysis and design of structures made from composite materials. The Second Edition, updated and expanded to reflect the latest developments in this field, retains all the features that kept the first edition on the bestseller list – it is logical, well-organized, comprehensive, and self-contained.

This book begins with a question-and-answer introduction to composites, including current materials used in new applications. The remainder of the book examines both the macromechanical analysis of a single lamina and a laminate; the micromechanical analysis of a lamina, including elasticity-based models; and the damage, analysis, and design of laminates. Additionally, a new chapter is dedicated to symmetric and unsymmetric beams. New examples and correlations have been added to the chapters dealing with the micromechanical and macromechanical analysis of the lamina. The design chapter includes two new examples, such as pressure vessel and driveshaft design. The author has also added keywords and summaries at the end of each chapter. The updated Promal software, along with multiple-choice questions, is available on the author's website and is regularly updated.

The Second Edition, which fuses practical tools based on fundamental theories:

• Covers all aspects of composite material mechanics in broad and detailed scope.
• Reviews past knowledge and presents real-world design examples for self-sufficiency.
• Includes a new chapter dedicated to symmetric and unsymmetric beams.
• Contains expanded appendices on matrix algebra, more examples, correlations, and studies.
• Updates the Promal software to include elastic models found in the chapter on the micromechanical analysis of the lamina.