REVIEW OF CHAPTERS 1 THROUGH

The basic nature of composite materials was introduced in Chapter 1. An overall classification scheme was presented, and the mechanical behavior aspects of composite materials that differ from those of conventional materials were described in a qualitative fashion. The book was then restricted to laminated fiber-reinforced composite mafeffals. The basic definitions and how such materials are made were then treated. Finally, the current and potential advantages of composite materials were discussed along with some case histories that clearly reveal how composite materials are used in structures. 

The macromechanical behavior of a lamina was quantitatively described in Chapter 2. The basic three-dimensional stress-strain relations for elastic anisotropic and orthotropic materials were examined. Subsequently, those relations were specialized for the plane-stress state normally found in a lamina. The plane-stress relations were then transformed in the plane of the lamina to enable treatment of composite laminates with different laminae at various angles. The various fundamental strengths of a lamina were identified, discussed, and subsequently used in biaxial strength criteria to predict the off-axis strength of a lamina. 

The micromechanical behavior of a lamina was treated in Chapter 3. Both a mechanics of materials and an elasticity approach were used to predict the fundamental lamina stiffnesses that were compared to measured stiffnesses. Mechanics of materials approaches were used to predict some of the fundamental strengths of a lamina. 

A collection of the basic building block, a lamina, was bonded together to form a laminate in Chapter 4. The behavior restrictions were covered in the section on classical lamination theory. Special cases of laminates were discussed to learn about laminate characteristics and behavior. Predicted and measured laminate stiffnesses were favorably compared to give credence to classical lamination theory. Then, the strength of laminates was discussed and found to be reasonably predictable. Finally, interlaminar stresses were analyzed because of their apparent strong influence on laminate strength (and life). 

Obviously, the foregoing description of problems in the mechanics of composite materials is incomplete. Some topics do not fit well within the logical framework just described. Other topics are too advanced for an introductory book, even at the graduate level. Thus, the rest of this chapter is devoted to a brief discussion of some basic lamina and laminate analysis and behavior characteristics that are not included in preceding chapters. 

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