This is the first book to focus on failure prediction, damage tolerance, optimum design, and stitched joining technology for composite materials. It discusses failure mechanisms and predictions of metal and composite bonded joints using both strength of materials and fracture mechanics methods; it also examines the analysis, design and manufacturing of stitched joints using resin transfer moulding and resin film infusion.

These techniques have great potential in the manufacturing of lightweight composite structures, in which joining design and execution is a critical concern. The damage tolerance of structural bonded joints is comprehensively covered, and when dealing with optimum design the latest evolutionary structural optimization technology is used to develop joint designs with improved strength. Real world applications abound in the aeronatucial, automotive, and maritime industries, among others.

From the Preface: “Most structures consist of an assembly of a number of individual components that must be connected to form an integral load transmission path. These connections are often referred to as joints and can be achieved in a variety of forms, e.g. by bolting, riveting, or other forms of mechanical fastening, or by welding or brazing for connecting metallic elements, or by adhesive bonding...Compared to other joining methods, particularly mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding can offer substantial performance and economic advantages. For example, the ability to join dissimilar materials, or to effiiciently join thin-sheet materials...”

Target Audience: All engineers and researchers concerned with composite structures.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Stress Analysis Techniques

Failure Criteria and Strength Prediction

Damage Tolerance

Optimum Design

Effect of Transverse Stitching

Selected Applications

References

Index