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Composite Materials Science and Engineering K.K. Chawla (Springer-Verlag, 1987) 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. The book is divided into three parts. The first deals with the constituents of composite materials: fibers, matrix materials, and interfaces. Unlike most previous treatments, the author discusses polymer, metal, and ceramic matrix materials equally. He also lists some of the desirable and undesirable engineering features of each class of fiber and matrix. Part II deals with the fabrication and properties of each class of composite. In addition, discussions of both carbon fibercarbon matrix composites and multifilamentary superconducting composites are included. The latter composites are rarely mentioned in the literature but are in fact the most highly developed form of metal matrix composite. Advertisers in this issue: back cover
Brimrose
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inside front cover
International Scientific Instruments 21
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Microscience National Electrostatics Oxford Instruments Process Products Red Nun Instrument Corp. Rudolph Research SciTech South Bay Technology Thin-Films Research
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inside back cover
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In Part HI, which treats micromechanics, macromechanics, and strength, the author condenses many of the classical anisotropic elasticity results used in the design of composite structures. Also included are strength and failure modes for various composites, appendices on matrix algebra and fiber packing, and a selection of problems for course use. Throughout the book, the author offers insights and cautions. He does not just repeat a development verbatim; rather, he inserts opinions and explanations which simplify the concept in the reader's mind. One example is his discussion of constitutive relationships in laminated plates. Instead of just listing the governing equations for the A, B, and D matrices, he presents simple physical examples to explain how the various deformations, forces, and moments are coupled—of ten in a non-obvious manner. The author attempts to inject realism and personal experience into the text whenever possible. In any survey treatment, there are bound to be certain topics that could have been further developed. The author might have devoted more space to polymer matrix composites, which are more widely used than metal and ceramic matrix materials. He might also have discussed timedependent failure and the effect of temperature on properties more completely. Corrosion, moisture and oxidation also are life-limiting issues for certain composites, which perhaps could be included in a later edition. Clear, concise, and complete,
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