Composite Materials Qualification

This book is intended for engineers, analysts and end users with basic knowledge of composite materials and finite element analysis requesting more information on how to generate mechanical properties of composites, and how to use it in structural analysis intended for part qualification and certification. The book includes a brief introduction to composite materials technology focusing on, but not limited to, aerospace and automotive industries. The test standards, allowable generation and certification requirements for various composite material systems are described. Sources of information about the state-of-the-art composite materials and their properties are outlined. The issue of material variability on determining design values and methods of incorporating estimates of variability into design values are described. The requirements of Mil-Hdbk-17 and its later conversion to CMH17 are detailed. The state-of-the-art computational methods for analysis and design of composite materials and structures including constitutive modeling, homogenization methods, laminated plate theories, delamination, cohesive zone modelling, effect of defects, hygro-thermo-mechanical modeling, residual stresses and part distortion resulting from manufacturing and fatigue of composites are presented.