Finite Element Modelling of Composite Materials and Structures

F L Matthews (Author), G A O Davies (Author), D Hitchings (Author), C Soutis (Author)

9781855734227

Hardback, published 27 October 2000

224 pages
23.3 x 15.6 x 2 cm, 0.5 kg

"This book is recommended to engineering students and practising engineers who would like to get up to speed fairly quickly and become familiar with the FE methods." --Applied Mechanics Reviews

Finite element modelling of composite materials and structures provides an introduction to a technique which is increasingly being used as an analytical tool for composite materials.The text is presented in four parts:

• Part one sets the scene and reviews the fundamentals of composite materials together with the basic nature of FRP and its constituents. Two-dimensional stress-strain is covered, as is laminated plated theory and its limitations.
• Part two reviews the basic principles of FE analysis, starting with underlying theoretical issues and going on to show how elements are derived, a model is generated and results are processed.
• Part three builds on the basics of FE analysis and considers the particular issues that arise in applying finite elements to composites, especially to the layered nature of the material.
• Part four deals with the application of FE to FRP composites, presenting analytical models alongside FE representations. Specific issues addressed include interlaminar stresses, fracture delamination, joints and fatigue.

Part 1 Review of composite materials: Overview
Fundamentals of composites. Part 2 Fundamentals of finite element analysis. Part 3 Finite elements applied to composite materials: Composites and finite element analysis
Definition of composite materials in finite element analysis. Part 4 Analytical and numerical modelling: Interlaminar stresses and free edge stresses
Fracture and fracture mechanics
Delamination
Joining
Fatigue.

Subject Areas: Materials science [TGM]