Composite materials are heterogeneous by nature, and are intended to be, since only the combination of different constituent materials can give them the desired combination of low weight, stiffness and strength. At present, the knowledge has advanced to a level that materials can be tailored to exhibit certain, required properties. 

"Structural and Failure Mechanics of Sandwich Composites" by Leif A. Carlsson and George A. Kardomateas focuses on some important deformation and failure modes of sandwich panels such as global buckling, wrinkling and local instabilities, and face/core debonding. The book also provides the mechanics background necessary for understanding deformation and failure mechanisms in sandwich panels and the response of sandwich structural parts to a variety of loadings.

From an authoritative expert whose work on modern helicopter rotor blade analysis has spanned over three decades, comes the first consistent and rigorous presentation of beam theory. 

Beginning with an overview of the theory developed over the last 60 years, Dr. Hodges addresses the kinematics of beam deformation, provides a simple way to characterize strain in an initially curved and twisted beam, and offers cross-sectional analysis for beams with arbitrary cross sections and composed of arbitrary materials. 

Principles of Composite Material Mechanics covers a unique blend of classical and contemporary mechanics of composites technologies. It presents analytical approaches ranging from the elementary mechanics of materials to more advanced elasticity and finite element numerical methods, discusses novel materials such as nanocomposites and hybrid multiscale composites, and examines the hygrothermal, viscoelastic, and dynamic behavior of composites.

This book balances introduction to the basic concepts of the mechanical behavior of composite materials and laminated composite structures. It covers topics from micromechanics and macromechanics to lamination theory and plate bending, buckling, and vibration, clarifying the physical significance of composite materials. In addition to the materials covered in the first edition, this book includes more theory-experiment comparisons and updated information on the design of composite materials.

A comprehensive account of the basic theory of the mechanical behavior of heterogeneous media, this volume assembles, interprets, and interrelates contributions to the field of composite materials from theoretical research, laboratory developments, and product applications.

"Electromechanical Properties in Composites Based on Ferroelectrics" investigates the problem of prediction and non-monotonicity of the effective electromechanical (piezoelectric, dielectric and elastic) properties in two- and three-component composites based on ferroelectric ceramics and relaxor-ferroelectric single crystals. 

The book analyzes the interrelations between the electromechanical constants of the components, and describes the different analytical schemes for averaging the properties of these materials with different connectivity and microgeometrical characteristics. 

This second edition of Professor Hoa’s Principles of the Manufacturing of Composite Materials textbook adds valuable explanations of automated processes for fabricating specialized composites to his step-by-step presentation in the first edition of traditional methods used throughout the composite industry.

Design and Manufacture of Structural Composites provides an overview of the main manufacturing challenges encountered when processing fibre-reinforced composite materials. Composites are unique in that the material is created at the same time as the structure, forming a very close link between the constituents, the manufacturing process and the resulting mechanical performance. This book takes an in-depth look at material choices and the intermediate steps required to convert different fibre and matrix combinations into finished products.

Some years ago in Paisley (Scotland) the International Conference on Composite Materials, headed by Professor I. Marshall, took place. During the conference, I presented a paper on the manufacturing and properties of the Soviet Union's composite materials. Soviet industry had made great achievements in the manufacturing of composite materials for aerospace and rocket applications.