Mechanics of Composite Structural Elements [Hardcover]

This second edition of the textbook presents a systematic introduction to the structural mechanics of composite components. The book focusses on modeling and calculation of sandwiches and laminated composites i.e. anisotropic material. The new edition includes an additional chapter covering the latest advances in both research and applications, which are highly relevant for readers.

The textbook is written for use not only in engineering curricula of aerospace, civil and mechanical engineering, but also for materials science and applied mechanics. Furthermore, it addresses practicing engineers and researchers. No prior knowledge of composite materials and structures is required for the understanding of its content. The book is close to classical courses of Strength of Materials and Theory of Beams, Plates and Shells but it extends the classic content on two topics: the linear elastic material behavior of isotropic and non-isotropic structural elements, and inhomogeneous material properties in the thickness direction. The Finite Element Analysis of laminate and sandwich structures is briefly presented. Many solved examples illustrate the application of the techniques learned.

Laminate and sandwich structures are typical lightweight elements with rapidly ex? panding application in various industrial fields. In the past, these structures were used primarily in aircraft and aerospace industries. Now, they have also found ap? plication in civil and mechanical engineering, in the automotive industry, in ship? building, the sport goods industries, etc. The advantages that these materials have over traditional materials like metals and their alloys are the relatively high specific strength properties (the ratio strength to density, etc). In addition, the laminate and sandwich structures provide good vibration and noise protection, thermal insulation, etc. There are also disadvantages - for example, composl%