SME publishes new composites book

January 10, 2008

The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) has announced the second edition release of “Fundamentals of Composites Manufacturing: Materials, Methods, and Applications,” an update to the 1989 first edition. The revised and expanded book describes recent advances, case studies, and examples intended to broaden knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing methods.

The first focus of this text is on materials, with several chapters describing the basic materials that are put together to create composite structures. Topics include matrix properties; polyesters; epoxies; specialty and high-performance resins; thermoplastics; ceramic and metal matrix composites; reinforcements; reinforcement forms; testing and properties; design; and sandwich structures, joints, and finishing. The book presents information on why composite materials behave the way they do.

The book also describes composites manufacturing methods, providing tips for getting the best results, weighing material properties against cost and production efficiency. “Fundamentals of Composites Manufacturing” covers the open molding of engineering and advanced composites; compression molding; resin infusion technologies; filament winding and fiber placement; pultrusion; thermoplastic molding; damage prevention and repair; factory issues; the business of composites; and composites applications.
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