Given such properties as low density and high strength, polymer matrix composites have become a widely used material in the aerospace and other industries. Polymer matrix composites and technology provides a helpful overview of these materials, their processing and performance.After an introductory chapter, part one reviews the main reinforcement and matrix materials used as well as the nature of the interface between them. Part two discusses forming and molding technologies for polymer matrix composites. The final part of the book covers key aspects of performance, including tensile, compression, shear and bending properties as well as impact, fatigue and creep behaviour.Polymer matrix composites and technology provides both students and those in industry with a valuable introduction to and overview of this important class of materials. - Provides a helpful overview of these materials, their processing and performance incorporating naming and classification of composite materials - Reviews the main reinforcement and matrix materials used as well as the nature of the interface between them including damage mechanisms - Discusses forming and molding technologies for polymer matrix composites outlining various techniques and technologies

Polymer matrix composites are replacing materials such as metals in industries such as aerospace, automotive and civil engineering. As composites are relatively new materials, more information on the potential risk of failure is needed to ensure safe design. This book focuses on three main types of failure: impact damage, delamination and fatigue. Chapters in Parts 1-4 describe the main types of failure mechanism and discuss testing methods for predicting failure in composites. Chapters in Parts 5 and 6 discuss typical kinds of in-service failure and their implications for industry.

Polymer matrix composites are finding increasing number of applications due to their high weight-saving potential as well as unique characteristics, such as high strength-to-density ratio, fatigue resistance, high damping factor, and freedom from corrosion. While many textbooks are available on the mechanics of polymer matrix composites, few cover their processing. Processing of Polymer Matrix Composites fills this gap. The book focuses on the major manufacturing processes used for polymer matrix composites and describes process details, process parameters and their effects on properties and process-induced defects, and analytical and experimental methods used for understanding process conditions. The book describes fibers, thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers, and interface characteristics that are important from the standpoint of both design and processing. It also emphasizes the applications of process fundamentals for both continuous fiber and short fiber polymer matrix composites. In addition the book considers quality inspection methods, tooling, and manufacturing costs and environmental and safety issues.

Long-Term Durability of Polymeric Matrix Composites presents a comprehensive knowledge-set of matrix, fiber and interphase behavior under long-term aging conditions, theoretical modeling and experimental methods. This book covers long-term constituent behavior, predictive methodologies, experimental validation and design practice. Readers will also find a discussion of various applications, including aging air craft structures, aging civil infrastructure, in addition to engines and high temperature applications.

Creep and Fatigue in Polymer Matrix Composites, Second Edition, updates the latest research in modeling and predicting creep and fatigue in polymer matrix composites. The first part of the book reviews the modeling of viscoelastic and viscoplastic behavior as a way of predicting performance and service life. Final sections discuss techniques for modeling creep rupture and failure and how to test and predict long-term creep and fatigue in polymer matrix composites. - Reviews the latest research in modeling and predicting creep and fatigue in polymer matrix composites - Puts a specific focus on viscoelastic and viscoplastic modeling - Features the time-temperature-age superposition principle for predicting long-term response - Examines the creep rupture and damage interaction, with a particular focus on time-dependent failure criteria for the lifetime prediction of polymer matrix composite structures that are illustrated using experimental cases

This excellent volume will serve as an indispensable reference and source book for process design, tool and production engineers in composite manufacturing. It provides the reader with a comprehensive treatment of the theory of machining as it applies to fiber reinforced polymer composites. It covers the latest technical advances in the area of machining and tooling, and discusses the applications of fiber reinforced polymer composites in the aircraft and automotive industries.