This book provides a systematic introduction to composite materials, which are obtained by a layer-wise stacking of one-dimensional bar/beam elements. Each layer may have different mechanical properties but each single layer is considered as isotropic. The major idea is to provide a simplified theory to easier understand the classical two-dimensional laminate theory for composites based on laminae with unidirectional fibers. In addition to the elastic behavior, failure is investigated based on the maximum stress, maximum strain, Tsai-Hill, and the Tsai-Wu criteria.

Partial...

This book treats the mechanical behavior of one-dimensional sandwich structures, a typicaloncept in the context of lightweight design. Such structures are composed of different constituent (e.g., layers) in order to achieve overall properties, which are better than for a single component alone. This book covers the basic mechanical load cases, i.e., tension/compression, bending, and shear. Based on this knowledge, different failure modes, i.e., plastic yielding, and global and local instabilities are investigated. In addition, an introduction to classic optimization...

This book in the advanced structured materials series provides first an introduction to the mircomechanics of fiber-reinforced laminae, which deals with the prediction of the macroscopic mechanical lamina properties based on the mechanical properties of the constituents, i.e., fibers and matrix. Composite materials, especially fiber-reinforced composites, are gaining increasing importance since they can overcome the limits of many structures based on classical metals. Particularly, the combination of a matrix with fibers provides far better properties than the constituents alone. Despite...

This book first provides a systematic and thorough introduction to the classical laminate theory for composite materials based on the theory for plane elasticity elements and classical (shear-rigid) plate elements. The focus is on unidirectional lamina which can be described based on orthotropic constitutive equations and their composition to layered laminates. In addition to the elastic behavior, failure is investigated based on the maximum stress, maximum strain, Tsai-Hill, and the Tsai-Wu criteria.

The solution of the fundamental equations of the classical...

This book focuses on beam and plate elements, essential components found across various fields from automotive and aerospace engineering to civil engineering structures. It offers a comparative exploration of the fundamental equations governing thin and thick beams, as well as thin and thick plates, providing readers with a clear understanding of these foundational structural elements. By explaining the three fundamental equations of continuum mechanics—equilibrium, kinematics, and constitution—the text culminates in a unified differential equation framework, offering both beginners...