Product Description

Composite Materials Science and Engineering focuses on the structure-property relationships in composite materials. A detailed description is given of how microstructure of different fibers (such as glass, Kevlar, polyethylene, carbon, boron, silicon, carbide, alumina etc.) controls their characteristics. The important role of interface in composite materials is discussed. Up to date information about the recent advances in polymer matrix-, metal matrix-, and ceramic matrix composites is provided. Micro- and macromechanical aspects of composite materials as well as their strength, fracture, and design aspects are described in detail - always emphasizing the basic theme of how the structure controls the resultant properties. Extensive use is made of micrographs and line drawings to bring home to the reader the importance of structure-property relationships in composites. Throughout the book, examples are given from practical applications of composites in various fields. Extensive references to the literature, general bibliography, as well as practice problems are provided. The book is intended for undergraduates (senior level) and first year graduate students as well as the practicing engineer/scientist in the industry.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3042234 in Books
• Published on: 1987-09-29
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 292 pages

Review

From the reviews:

"… Well-organized, up-to-date, informative … filled with useful tables, graphs, references, suggested readings, and illustrations. The book is well designed for its intended market …" American Scientist

From reviews of the first edition:

"covers polymer, metal, and ceramic matrix composites in a well-organized, up-to-date manner. It is filled with useful tables, graphs, references, suggested readings and illustrations." -- American Scientist

"Overall, this is an excellent book for composite materials research. It can be used as a text book for undergraduate seniors,... and as a reference book for engineers." -- Applied Mechanics Review

MRS BULLETIN
"Prof. Chawla has attempted the formidable task of including essentially all types of fiber composite materials and their properties in a single text. By employing an economic writing style and carefully selected references, figures, and suggested readings, he has successfully produced a relatively short but thorough 292-page book…Clear, concise, and complete, this book is an excellent up-to-date introduction to fiber composite materials. I would recommend it for a first course in composite materials at the advanced undergraduate or first-year graduate level. It is also valuable for the practicing engineer or scientist who wishes to become familiar with the growing field of fiber composites.”

SAMPE JOURNAL
"Readers will find this valuable text to be current, well-written and lucid. In addition each chapter contains many references and suggested reading material.”

IEEE ELECTRICAL INSULATION MAGAZINE
"This book covers thoroughly the broad base of composites. The book is divided into three parts and twelve chapters, plus a very useful set of appendices and problems.”

CHOICE MAGAZINE
"…he uses a conversational style often more intuitive than that used in other works…useful as a course supplement, or as a resource for students already exposed to the subject via a more traditional approach…In summary, a valuable addition to an undergraduate library collection.”

About the Author
K.K. Chawla has taught and done research at institutions in Switzerland, Brazil, Canada, and the US and has served as a consultant to industry, national laboratories, and government agencies. He is currently at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His books, used as texts throughout the world, include Ceramic Matrix Composites (1993), Fibrous Materials (1998), Mechanical Metallurgy.

Customer Reviews

Great textbook
I read this book as a textbook for a class I took on Composite Materials. This is one of the best textbooks I have read and is a great introductory text to Composites. It is small for a textbook, but covers all the major topics in Composites, thereby making it a great textbook for a one-semester class. It is easy to understand and is suitable for both undergraduates and graduate students. The book contains a lot of figures, graphs, and charts that make the subject matter easy to understand.