Mechanics of Composite Structural Elements

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, composite laminates are brittle, and thejoining of such elements is not as easy as with classical materials. The recycling of these materials is also problematic, and a viable solution is yet to be developed. Since the application of laminates and sandwiches has been used mostly in new technologies, governmental and independent research organizations, as well as big companies, have spent a lot of money for research. This includes the development of new materials by material scientists, new design concepts by mechanical and civil engineers as well as new testing procedures and standards. The growing de­ mands of the industry for specially educated research and practicing engineers and material scientists have resulted in changes in curricula of the diploma and master courses. More and more universities have included special courses on laminates and sandwiches, and training programs have been arranged for postgraduate studies. Front Matter ....Pages i-xvi Front Matter ....Pages 1-2 Classification of Composite Materials (Holm Altenbach, Johannes Altenbach, Wolfgang Kissing)....Pages 3-18 Linear Anisotropic Materials (Holm Altenbach, Johannes Altenbach, Wolfgang Kissing)....Pages 19-84 Effective Material Moduli for Composites (Holm Altenbach, Johannes Altenbach, Wolfgang Kissing)....Pages 85-100 Front Matter ....Pages 101-102 Elastic Behavior of Laminate and Sandwich Composites (Holm Altenbach, Johannes Altenbach, Wolfgang Kissing)....Pages 103-176 Classical and Improved Theories (Holm Altenbach, Johannes Altenbach, Wolfgang Kissing)....Pages 177-200 Failure Mechanisms and Criteria (Holm Altenbach, Johannes Altenbach, Wolfgang Kissing)....Pages 201-224 Front Matter ....Pages 225-226 Modelling and Analysis of Beams (Holm Altenbach, Johannes Altenbach, Wolfgang Kissing)....Pages 227-274 Modelling and Analysis of Plates (Holm Altenbach, Johannes Altenbach, Wolfgang Kissing)....Pages 275-340 Modelling and Analysis of Circular Cylindrical Shells (Holm Altenbach, Johannes Altenbach, Wolfgang Kissing)....Pages 341-364 Front Matter ....Pages 365-366 Modelling and Analysis of Thin-walled Folded Structures (Holm Altenbach, Johannes Altenbach, Wolfgang Kissing)....Pages 367-406 Front Matter ....Pages 407-408 Finite Element Analysis (Holm Altenbach, Johannes Altenbach, Wolfgang Kissing)....Pages 409-460 Back Matter ....Pages 461-503 This 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 structure and the level of presentation is close to classical courses of "Strength of Materials" or "Theory of Beams, Plates and Shells". Yet two extensions have been included: 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