Composite structures are most efficient in performance and production cost when combined with smart materials making them adaptable to changing operational conditions. The specific production processes of composites offer the possibility to integrate more functions thus making the structure more valuable. Active functions can be realized by smart materials, e.g. morphing, active vibration control, active structure acoustic control or structure health monitoring. The foundation is a sound understanding of materials, design methods, design principles, production technologies and adaptronics. Along the complete process chain this disciplines together deliver advanced lightweight solutions for applications ranging from mechanical engineering to vehicles, airframe and finally space structures. This book provides the scientific foundations as well as inspiring new ideas for engineers working in the field of composite lightweight structures.

The increased application of composite materials in lightweight structures leads to new integral design of structural parts, using the example of, an integral composite landing flap of an Airbus A320 aircraft. This offers possibilities to simplify the process chain, to decrease manufacturing costs and to have fibre fair structural design. The critical disadvantage of large integral designs is that process-induced deformations are a risk factor during the design phase of the manufacturing process, because rework is not always possible. Especially, the aircraft industry with its demands on high qualities / tolerances and the application of hot curing resin systems, requires knowledge-based methods for virtual process design to avoid time- and effort-consuming iterations. This thesis contributes to the understanding of the mechanism behind process-induced distortions and stresses related to the Resin Transfer Moulding (RTM) manufacturing process. The aim is to comprehend the phenomena, to identify related parameters and to present compensation strategies.

Since the 1980s, scientists have been researching adaptive structures for materials, for multifunctional elements or even for complete systems. Adaptronics (smart materials, smart structures, smart systems) is a field of distinct interdisciplinarity. The book therefore offers an interdisciplinary view of adaptronic systems, materials and functional elements and their applications. The subject matter integrates various engineering disciplines, from electrical engineering and information technology to manufacturing and control engineering, materials engineering and structural mechanics - to name but a few of the relevant subject areas. Starting from the basic principles and variants of adaptronic systems and functional materials, the textbook explains the different construction methods of functional elements. Building on this, readers learn how to apply this knowledge to active shape control, active vibration control and active vibroacoustics. For each of these topics the author presents current examples from research, discusses research results and future research questions. Each of the nine chapters closes with references to further literature. An index of the mathematical symbols used and a keyword index facilitate learning for readers.The book is aimed at Master's students in engineering courses such as mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, automotive engineering and related courses. The book provides a comprehensive overview for industrial practitioners who want to familiarize themselves with the field of adaptronics and also serves as a reliable reference book.

Composites are now extensively used in applications where outstanding mechanical properties are necessary in combination with weight savings, due to their highly tunable microstructure and mechanical properties. These properties present great potential for part integration, which results in lower manufacturing costs and faster time to market. Composites also have a high level of styling flexibility in terms of deep drawn panel, which goes beyond what can be achieved with metal stampings. The so-called multifunctional or smart composites provide significant benefits to the vehicles as compared to the traditional materials that only have monotonic properties. CAE Design and Failure Analysis of Automotive Composites focuses on the latest use of CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) methods in design and failure analysis of composite materials and structures, beginning with a brief introduction to the design and failure analysis of composite materials, and then presenting some recent, innovative CAE design examples of composite structures by engineers from major CAE developers and automobile OEMs and suppliers. This title brings together 12 SAE technical papers, carefully selected by the editors covering three main areas of expertise: • Design and Failure Analysis of Composites: Static Loading • Design and Failure Analysis of Composites: Dynamic and Impact Loading • Design and Failure Analysis of Composites: Blast Loading

This book presents the basics of fiber reinforced polymers (FRP). The author presents the material-specific advantages of FRP and the typical areas of their application. The problems created by conventional, non-integrating product development are listed and the author states how these problems are potentially overcome by integrated product development (IPD). In addition, it is explained why IPD is of particular importance for FRP. An approach to IPD for FRP-parts is presented. It is explained step by step how a catalogue of requirements is defined as well as how this basis is used to develop a concept, a design, and a final construction. Simple but effective methods for the selection of fiber materials, semi-finished products and manufacturing processes are highlighted in this book. A concluding chapter describes an approach to techno-economic evaluation. Throughout the book, practical application examples show the reader how to put the gained knowledge into practice.

Combining different perspectives from materials science, engineering, and computer science, this reference provides a unified view of the various aspects necessary for the successful realization of intelligent systems. The editors and authors are from academia and research institutions with close ties to industry, and are thus able to offer first-hand information here. They adopt a unique, three-tiered approach such that readers can gain basic, intermediate, and advanced topical knowledge. The technology section of the book is divided into chapters covering the basics of sensor integration in materials, the challenges associated with this approach, data processing, evaluation, and validation, as well as methods for achieving an autonomous energy supply. The applications part then goes on to showcase typical scenarios where material-integrated intelligent systems are already in use, such as for structural health monitoring and smart textiles.

Selected extended papers from the Brazilian-German Conference on Frontiers of Science and Technology Symposium (BRAGFOST), Potsdam 5.-10- October 2017 In October 2017 the 8th Brazilian-German Frontiers of Science and Technology Symposium (BRAGFOS)) was held in Potsdam, Germany, gathering German and Brazilian researchers in the fields of Hybrid climate-control strategies, Multifunctional integration, Light-weight structures, Energy Harvesting, and Urban agriculture. This series of symposia, initiated in 2010, is the result of the collaboration between the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) and the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES), and has a special format. Experienced specialists are giving overviews about their research which covers a wide area and making it accessible for specialists from other fields of science and technology.