The increased use of polymer matrix composites in structural applications has led to the growing need for a very high level of quality control and testing of products to ensure and monitor performance over time. Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of polymer matrix composites explores a range of NDE techniques and the use of these techniques in a variety of application areas.Part one provides an overview of a range of NDE and NDT techniques including eddy current testing, shearography, ultrasonics, acoustic emission, and dielectrics. Part two highlights the use of NDE techniques for adhesively bonded applications. Part three focuses on NDE techniques for aerospace applications including the evaluation of aerospace composites for impact damage and flaw characterisation. Finally, the use of traditional and emerging NDE techniques in civil and marine applications is explored in part four.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of polymer matrix composites is a technical resource for researchers and engineers using polymer matrix composites, professionals requiring an understanding of non-destructive evaluation techniques, and academics interested in this field. - Explores a range of NDE and NDT techniques and considers future trends - Examines in detail NDE techniques for adhesively bonded applications - Discusses NDE techniques in aerospace applications including detecting impact damage, ultrasonic techniques and structural health monitoring

Composites Evaluation contains the proceedings of the Second International Conference on Testing, Evaluation and Quality Control of Composites-TEQC 87, held at the University of Surrey, UK on September 22-24, 1987. The papers review the physical and chemical properties of composites and the testing and evaluation of these materials. This monograph is comprised of 29 chapters split into nine sections, organized around the themes of nondestructive testing, fatigue testing, impact testing, processing-property relationships, acoustic emission, fracture, mechanical tests, and specialized test equipment and assessment of in-service behavior. The first chapter deals with the nondestructive testing of welds in continuous carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics, while the second focuses on the use of an automated coin-tap technique for the nondestructive testing of composite structures. The chapters that follow explore hysteresis measurement for obtaining characteristic quantities during dynamic fatigue; real-time recording of impact experiments on composite laminates; the use of statistical methods for determining design data for advanced composite materials; and the strain dependence of elastic modulus in unidirectional composites. The final chapter describes a methodical approach for studying and predicting polymer fiber composite serviceability influenced by cold climate factors. This text will appeal to mechanical and structural engineers as well as materials scientists and technologists.

Infrared Thermography in the Evaluation of Aerospace Composite Materials: Infrared Thermography to Composites provides an update on infrared thermography, a fast and reliable method for non-destructive evaluation of composite materials used in the aerospace field. The book describes composites and the main problems that can arise both during manufacturing and when in service, and then covers different thermographic non-destructive testing and evaluation techniques, including pulse thermography, lock-in thermography, and pulse phase. Each technique includes key examples and relevant references, with sections devoted to the usefulness of an infrared imaging device to monitor the behavior of a material under load, such as impact and bending. The book also includes discussions on standards, personnel certification, and training. - Provides a comprehensive look at the use of infrared thermography in the materials science field - Describes thermographic techniques of non-destructive testing in an easy way, and with links to aeronautical standards - Addresses different types of composite problems and how they can be helped through the use of infrared thermography - Includes key examples and relevant references, with sections devoted to the usefulness of an infrared imaging device to monitor the behavior of a material under load

Structural Health Monitoring of Biocomposites, Fibre-Reinforced Composites and Hybrid Composites provides detailed information on failure analysis, mechanical and physical properties, structural health monitoring, durability and life prediction, modelling of damage processes of natural fiber, synthetic fibers, and natural/natural, and natural/synthetic fiber hybrid composites. It provides a comprehensive review of both established and promising new technologies currently under development in the emerging area of structural health monitoring in aerospace, construction and automotive structures. In addition, it describes SHM methods and sensors related to specific composites and how advantages and limitations of various sensors and methods can help make informed choices. Written by leading experts in the field, and covering composite materials developed from different natural fibers and their hybridization with synthetic fibers, the book's chapters provide cutting-edge, up-to-date research on the characterization, analysis and modelling of composite materials.

A design reference for engineers developing composite components for automotive chassis, suspension, and drivetrain applications This book provides a theoretical background for the development of elements of car suspensions. It begins with a description of the elastic-kinematics of the vehicle and closed form solutions for the vertical and lateral dynamics. It evaluates the vertical, lateral, and roll stiffness of the vehicle, and explains the necessity of the modelling of the vehicle stiffness. The composite materials for the suspension and powertrain design are discussed and their mechanical properties are provided. The book also looks at the basic principles for the design optimization using composite materials and mass reduction principles. Additionally, references and conclusions are presented in each chapter. Design and Analysis of Composite Structures for Automotive Applications: Chassis and Drivetrain offers complete coverage of chassis components made of composite materials and covers elastokinematics and component compliances of vehicles. It looks at parts made of composite materials such as stabilizer bars, wheels, half-axes, springs, and semi-trail axles. The book also provides information on leaf spring assembly for motor vehicles and motor vehicle springs comprising composite materials. Covers the basic principles for the design optimization using composite materials and mass reduction principles Evaluates the vertical, lateral, and roll stiffness of the vehicle, and explains the modelling of the vehicle stiffness Discusses the composite materials for the suspension and powertrain design Features closed form solutions of problems for car dynamics explained in details and illustrated pictorially Design and Analysis of Composite Structures for Automotive Applications: Chassis and Drivetrain is recommended primarily for engineers dealing with suspension design and development, and those who graduated from automotive or mechanical engineering courses in technical high school, or in other higher engineering schools.

Composite materials are increasingly used in aerospace, underwater, and automotive structures. To take advantage of the full potential of composite materials, structural analysts and designers must have accurate mathematical models and design methods at their disposal. The objective of this monograph is to present the laminated plate theories and their finite element models to study the deformation, strength and failure of composite structures. Emphasis is placed on engineering aspects, such as the analytical descriptions, effective analysis tools, modeling of physical features, and evaluation of approaches used to formulate and predict the response of composite structures. The first chapter presents an overview of the text. Chapter 2 is devoted to the introduction of the definitions and terminology used in composite materials and structures. Anisotropic constitutive relations and Iaminate plate theories are also reviewed. Finite element models of laminated composite plates are presented in Chapter 3. Numerical evaluation of element coefficient matrices, post-computation of strains and stresses, and sample examples of laminated plates in bending and vibration are discussed. Chapter 4 introduces damage and failure criteria in composite laminates. Finally, Chapter 5 is dedicated to case studies involving various aspects and types of composite structures. Joints, cutouts, woven composites, environmental effects, postbuckling response and failure of composite laminates are discussed by considering specific examples.