In 1997, Dr. Kaw introduced the first edition of Mechanics of Composite Materials, receiving high praise for its comprehensive scope and detailed examples. He also introduced the groundbreaking PROMAL software, a valuable tool for designing and analyzing structures made of composite materials. Updated and expanded to reflect recent advances in the field, this Second Edition retains all of the features -- logical, streamlined organization; thorough coverage; and self-contained treatment -- that made the first edition a bestseller.
The book begins with a question-and-answer style introduction to composite materials, including fresh material on new applications. The remainder of the book discusses macromechanical analysis of both individual lamina and laminate materials; micromechanical analysis of lamina including elasticity based models; failure, analysis, and design of laminates; and symmetrical and nonsymmetrical beams (new chapter). Ne