Fundamentals of Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials

Fibre-reinforced composite materials are increasingly used in various applications, from food trays to spacecraft, and contribute to environmental solutions. This updated edition provides an authoritative introduction to the topic, covering composite development, applications, manufacture, and markets, as well as computer simulation of composite behavior. It is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and engineers working with composite materials.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 350 pages
\n Publication date: 23 March 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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Fibre reinforced composite materials are experiencing remarkable growth in an expanding array of applications, spanning from food trays to spacecraft, and playing a crucial role in addressing environmental concerns. This second edition of Fundamentals of Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials has undergone a comprehensive update to provide a authoritative and contemporary introduction to the field. It offers a brief history of composite development, a comprehensive review of composite applications, manufacturing processes, and markets, an in-depth exploration of the types of fibres and matrices employed, and a detailed introduction to computer simulation of composite behaviour. Accompanied by extensive sets of sample problems for each chapter, this book is ideally suited for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing courses in materials science, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer science, metallurgy, and related disciplines. It serves as a valuable reference for researchers and engineers engaged in the field of composite materials, as well as material scientists in general.

The history of composite materials dates back to ancient times, where natural fibres such as hemp and bamboo were used to create lightweight and durable structures. However, the development of modern composite materials began in the mid-20th century with the introduction of synthetic fibres such as glass, carbon, and aramid. These fibres were stronger and more durable than natural fibres, making them ideal for use in aircraft, automotive, and construction industries.

One of the key advantages of composite materials is their high strength-to-weight ratio. This means that they can be designed to be lighter than traditional materials, which reduces the weight of vehicles and aircraft, resulting in lower fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, composite materials are highly resistant to corrosion, fatigue, and impact damage, making them suitable for use in harsh environments such as marine applications and aerospace.

Another advantage of composite materials is their ability to be customized to meet specific requirements. The fibres and matrices used in composite materials can be tailored to achieve specific properties such as stiffness, strength, and thermal conductivity. This allows manufacturers to create materials that are optimized for particular applications, leading to improved performance and efficiency.

Composite materials are used in a wide range of applications, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and sports equipment. In aerospace, composite materials are used in the construction of aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They are lightweight, strong, and resistant to high temperatures, making them ideal for use in space exploration and military applications. In automotive, composite materials are used in the construction of body panels, spoilers, and engine components. They are lighter than steel, which reduces the weight of the vehicle, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and performance. In construction, composite materials are used in the construction of buildings, bridges, and infrastructure. They are lightweight, strong, and durable, making them ideal for use in high-rise buildings and bridge construction. In sports equipment, composite materials are used in the construction of golf clubs, tennis rackets, and basketballs. They are lightweight, strong, and durable, making them ideal for use in high-performance sports.

In addition to their use in traditional industries, composite materials are also being used in emerging applications such as hydrogen fuel cells and renewable energy systems. In hydrogen fuel cells, composite materials are used in the construction of the fuel cell stack, which is the heart of the system. They are lightweight, strong, and durable, making them ideal for use in high-performance vehicles and portable power systems. In renewable energy systems, composite materials are used in the construction of wind turbines, solar panels, and hydroelectric dams. They are lightweight, strong, and durable, making them ideal for use in renewable energy applications.

Despite their many advantages, composite materials also have some challenges to overcome. One of the main challenges is the high cost of production. The production of composite materials requires specialized equipment and processes, which can be expensive to invest in. Additionally, the production of composite materials can be time-consuming, which can lead to increased production costs and delays.

Another challenge is the durability of composite materials. While composite materials are highly resistant to corrosion, fatigue, and impact damage, they can also be susceptible to damage from environmental factors such as UV radiation, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. This can lead to premature failure of the material and require costly repairs or replacements.

To address these challenges, researchers and manufacturers are continuously developing new technologies and materials to improve the durability and performance of composite materials. For example, some researchers are exploring the use of nanotechnology to improve the strength and durability of composite materials by adding nanoparticles to the fibres and matrices. Others are exploring the use of biodegradable materials to reduce the environmental impact of composite materials.

In conclusion, fibre reinforced composite materials are experiencing sustained growth in an expanding range of applications, from food trays to spacecraft, and contributing to resolving environmental problems. This second edition of Fundamentals of Fibre Reinforced Composite Materials provides a comprehensive and contemporary introduction to the field, covering key topics such as composite history, applications, manufacturing, and markets. With extensive sets of sample problems and a focus on mathematical concepts, this book is ideally suited for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing courses in materials science, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, polymer science, and other related disciplines. As the demand for sustainable and high-performance materials continues to grow, the use of composite materials will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in the future of manufacturing and transportation.

\n Weight: 840g\n
Dimension: 262 x 183 x 28 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367023737\n
Edition number: 2 New edition\n