Introduction, Composite Basics and Road Map

Abstract

This is an introduction to composites and will encourage the reader to obtain more information. Only the basic concepts will be covered here; reference will be made to the chapters in the book that expand or follow up and elaborate on these basics. The reader will see that the subjects of this book cover the spectrum of composites and range from the basic and simple to the complex. Thus, there are complicated equations because they are the tools that are used every day to describe real structures; and there will also be the more general, less complicated approaches that are limited in analysis power. These chapters have been developed by the most knowledgeable composite professionals in the world; a blend of academicians and the engineers who fabricate real composite structures.