Mechanics of Composite Structural Elements

The book is close to classical courses of "Strength of Materials" and "Theory of Beams, Plates and Shells" but it extends the classic content on two topics: the linear elastic material behavior of isotropic and non-isotropic structural elements, and inhomogeneous material properties in the thickness direction. This textbook is written for use not only in engineering curricula of aerospace, civil and mechanical engineering, but also for materials science and applied mechanics. Furthermore, it addresses practicing engineers and researchers. No prior knowledge of composite materials and structures is required for the understanding of its content. The structure and the level of presentation is close to classical courses of "Strength of Materials" or "Theory of Beams, Plates and Shells". Yet two extensions have been included: the linear elastic material behavior of isotropic and non-isotropic structural elements, and inhomogeneous material properties in the thickness direction. The Finite Element Analysis of laminate and sandwich structures is briefly presented. Many solved examples illustrate the application of the techniques learned.