Fiber reinforced polymer composites are an extremely broad and versatile class of material.Their high strength coupled with lightweight leads to their use wherever structural efficiency is at a premium. Applications can be found in aircraft, process plants, sporting goods and military equipment. However they are heterogeneous in construction and antisotropic, which makes making strength prediction extremely difficult especially compared to that of a metal. This book brings together the results of a 12year worldwide failure exercise encompassing 19 theories in a single volume. Each contributor describes their own theory and employs it to solve 14 challenging problems. The accuracy of predictions and the performance of the theories are assessed and recommendations made on the uses of the theories in engineering design.All the necessary information is provided for the methodology to be readily employed for validating and benchmarking new theories as they emerge.Brings together 19 failure theories, with many application examples.Compares the leading failure theories with one another and with experimental dataFailure to apply these theories could result in potentially unsafe designs or over design.

The proposed book focusses on the theme of failure of polymer composites, focusing on vital aspects of enhancing failure resistance, constituents and repair including associated complexities. It discusses characterization and experimentation of the composites under loading with respect to the specific environment and applications. Further, it includes topics as green composites, advanced materials and composite joint failure, buckling failure, and fiber-metal composite failure. It explains preparation, applications of composites for weight sensitive applications, leading to potential applications and formulations, fabrication of polymer products based on bio-resources. Provides exhaustive understanding of failure and fatigue of polymer composites Covers the failure of fiber reinforced polymer composites, composite joint failure, fiber-metal composite, and laminate failure Discusses how to enhance the resistance against failure of the polymer composites Provides input to industry related and academic orientated research problems Represents an organized perspective and analysis of materials processing, material design, and their failure under loading This book is aimed at researchers, graduate students in composites, fiber reinforcement, failure mechanism, materials science, and mechanical engineering.

This book presents a unified approach to fracture behavior of natural and synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites on the basis of fiber orientation, the addition of fillers, characterization, properties and applications. In addition, the book contains an extensive survey of recent improvements in the research and development of fracture analysis of FRP composites that are used to make higher fracture toughness composites in various applications.The FRP composites are an emerging area in polymer science with many structural applications. The rise in materials failure by fracture has forced scientists and researchers to develop new higher strength materials for obtaining higher fracture toughness. Therefore, further knowledge and insight into the different modes of fracture behavior of FRP composites are critical to expanding the range of their application.

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