The eleven contributions comprising the first volume address topics that include the history of composites, epoxy resins, fiber reinforced glasses and glass ceramics for high performance applications, aramid fiber reinforcements (specifically, Vniivlon/Polyamidobenzimidazole--the USSR's aramid fiber-forming polymer). Volume two (565-4) has nine articles on, among other subjects, environmental effects, prediction of failure strength of anisotropic materials, properties characterization, creep. No index in either book. Acidic paper. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The eleven contributions comprising the first volume address topics that include the history of composites, epoxy resins, fiber reinforced glasses and glass ceramics for high performance applications, aramid fiber reinforcements (specifically, Vniivlon/Polyamidobenzimidazole the USSR's aramid fiber-

This edition has been greatly enlarged and updated to provide both scientists and engineers with a clear and comprehensive understanding of composite materials. In describing both theoretical and practical aspects of their production, properties and usage, the book crosses the borders of many disciplines. Topics covered include: fibres, matrices, laminates and interfaces; elastic deformation, stress and strain, strength, fatigue crack propagation and creep resistance; toughness and thermal properties; fatigue and deterioration under environmental conditions; fabrication and applications. Coverage has been increased to include polymeric, metallic and ceramic matrices and reinforcement in the form of long fibres, short fibres and particles. Designed primarily as a teaching text for final-year undergraduates in materials science and engineering, this book will also interest undergraduates and postgraduates in chemistry, physics, and mechanical engineering. In addition, it will be an excellent source book for academic and technological researchers on materials.

Some years ago in Paisley (Scotland) the International Conference on Composite Materials, headed by Professor I. Marshall, took place. During the conference, I presented a paper on the manufacturing and properties of the Soviet Union's composite materials. Soviet industry had made great achievements in the manufacturing of composite materials for aerospace and rocket applications. For example, the fraction of composites (predominantly carbon fibre reinforced plastics) in the large passenger aircrafts Tu-204 and 11-86 is 12-15% of the structure weight. The percentage by weight share of composites in military aircraft is greater and the fraction of composites (organic fibre reinforced plastics) used in military helicopters exceeds a half of the total structure weight. The nose parts of most rockets are produced in carbon-carbon materials. In the Soviet spacecraft 'Buran' many fuselage tubes are made of boron-aluminium composites. Carbon-aluminium is used for space mirrors and gas turbine blades. These are just a few examples of applications. Many participants at the Paisley conference suggested that the substantial Soviet experience in the field of composite materials should be distilled and presented in the form of a comprehensive reference publication. So the idea of the preparation and publication of a six volume work Soviet Advanced Composites Technology, edited by Professor I. Marshall and me, was born.