This book presents an introduction to the design and manufacture of fibre-reinforced composites. The mechanical properties of unidirectional composites are considered in a structural design context. The use of woven and random fibres is also addressed. The accuracy of design estimates for unidirectional composites is benchmarked against test data, and the relevance of a factor of safety (FoS) is established. The importance of prototype testing is emphasised. This book illustrates how to make a fibre-reinforced composite. Wet layup, vacuum bagging and prepreg moulding are covered in detail. Some guidance on mould design and construction is also provided. Finally, an introduction to the manufacture of composite tubes is presented. Wherever possible, design and make examples are used to illustrate the content. Tutorial questions and problems are included at the end of each chapter. The reader is encouraged to use these questions and problems to assess their own level of understanding of the content.

This third edition of a bestseller offers a current perspective on the mechanics, characteristics, test methods, applications, manufacturing processes, and design aspects of composites. Highlighting materials such as nanocomposites and smart materials, the book contains new information on material substitution, cost analysis, nano- and natural fibers, fiber architecture, carbon-carbon composites, thermoplastics matrix composites, resin transfer molding, and test methods such as fiber bundle tests and interlaminar fracture measurements. It presents a new chapter on polymer-based nanocomposites. New examples and additional problems emphasize problem-solving skills used in real-world applications.

A practical book of value to those in the automotive, chemical, aerospace and offshore industries. Case studies are included and as well as covering flexible manufacturing systems and non-destructive evaluation, the author looks ahead to metal matrix composites and ceramic matrix composites.

Maintaining the interdisciplinary perspective of the first edition, this reference and text provides comprehensive discussions of all aspects of fiber-reinforced composites, including materials, mechanics, properties, test methods, manufacturing and design. Written from a conceptual point of view and emphasizing fundamentals, the second edition of Fiber Reinforced Composites offers updated and expanded sections including: fibers and matrix, including thermoplastic matrices; discontinuous fibers and laminated structures; static mechanical properties, fatigue properties and damage tolerance; resin flow, bag molding, filament winding and resin transfer molding; and environmental effects.

This books sets out an approach to the design and development of composite products that will lead to the maximum likelihood of developing commercially successful products, generally in the face of a great deal of uncertainty in most areas of the development process. The book is practically orientated, covering those areas of composite technology most critical to product developments, rather than those of the most theoretical importance, therefore providing a basis for mutual understanding among the broad field of composite specialists. The author's experience provides a hands-on approach to the methodology of design with composites. All those interested in composites design and manufacture, including those practising in such diverse fields as resin formulation, reinforcement, manufacture, design processing and manufacturing engineering will find this book invaluable.

This very practical book is intended to show how composites are increasingly being used in real-world applications in areas where the primary material choice in the past would have been exclusively metals-based. A series of in-depth case studies examiines the design processes involved in putting together aircraft fuselages, Formua 1 cars, Transit van roofs, infrastructure systems for water treatment and storage and many other novel applications for FRCs. It shows how an awareness of engineering properties needs to be built into the design process at an early stage.It is essential for professionals in, and newcomers to, the FRP industry; executives in engineering and manufacturing who are considering using FRPs in place of more traditional materials; students in materials science and engineering.

The manufacturing processes of composite materials are numerous and often complex. Continuous research into the subject area has made it hugely relevant with new advances enriching our understanding and helping us overcome design and manufacturing challenges. Advances in Composites Manufacturing and Process Design provides comprehensive coverage of all processing techniques in the field with a strong emphasis on recent advances, modeling and simulation of the design process. Part One reviews the advances in composite manufacturing processes and includes detailed coverage of braiding, knitting, weaving, fibre placement, draping, machining and drilling, and 3D composite processes. There are also highly informative chapters on thermoplastic and ceramic composite manufacturing processes, and repairing composites. The mechanical behaviour of reinforcements and the numerical simulation of composite manufacturing processes are examined in Part Two. Chapters examine the properties and behaviour of textile reinforcements and resins. The final chapters of the book investigate finite element analysis of composite forming, numerical simulation of flow processes, pultrusion processes and modeling of chemical vapour infiltration processes. - Outlines the advances in the different methods of composite manufacturing processes - Provides extensive information on the thermo-mechanical behavior of reinforcements and composite prepregs - Reviews numerical simulations of forming and flow processes, as well as pultrusion processes and modeling chemical vapor infiltration

The increasing use of composite materials over conventional materials has been a continual trend for over a decade. While the fundamental understanding of fiber reinforcement has not changed, many new material advancements have occurred, especially in manufacturing methods, and there is an ever-growing number of composite material applications across various industries. Polymer-Based Composites: Design, Manufacturing, and Applications presents the concepts and methods involved in the development of various fiber-reinforced composite materials. Features: Offers a comprehensive view of materials, mechanics, processing, design, and applications Bridges the gap between research, manufacturing science, and analysis and design Discusses composite materials composed of continuous synthetic fibers and matrices for use in engineering structures Presents codes and standards related to fiber-reinforced polymer composites Includes case studies and examples based on industrial, automotive, aerospace, and household applications This book is a valuable resource for advanced students, researchers, and industry personnel to understand recent advances in the field and achieve practical results in the development, manufacture, and application of advanced composite materials.

Design with Reinforced Plastics is a comprehensive, accessible guide to fundamental aspects of designing for world markets with this increasingly important range of materials. This unique publication takes full account of the design implications of the single European market, as well as the rapidly changing effects of consumer protection and environmental legislation.

Natural fibre composite is an emerging material that has great potential to be used in engineering application. Oil palm, sugar palm, bagasse, coir, banana stem, hemp, jute, sisal, kenaf, roselle, rice husk, betul nut husk and cocoa pod are among the natural fibres reported to be used as reinforcing materials in polymer composites. Natural fibre composites were used in many industries such as automotive, building, furniture, marine and aerospace industries. The advantages of natural fibre composites include low cost, renewable, abundance, light weight, less abrasive and they are suitable to be used in semi or non-structural engineering components. Research on various aspects of natural fibre composites such as characterization, determination of properties and design have been extensively carried out. However, publications that reported on research of manufacture of natural fibre composites are very limited. Specifically, although manufacturing methods of components from natural fibre composites are similar to those of components from conventional fibre composites such as glass, carbon and Kevlar fibres, modification of equipment used for conventional fibre composites may be required. This book fills the gap of knowledge in the field of natural fibre composites for the research community. Among the methods reported that are being used to produce components from natural fibre composites include hand lay-up, compression moulding, filament winding, injection moulding, resin transfer moulding, pultrusion and vacuum bag moulding. This book is also intended to address some research on secondary processing such as machining and laser welding of natural fibre composites. It is hoped that publication of this book will provide the readers new knowledge and understanding on the manufacture of natural fibre composites.