Today's composite materials are being used in more and more applications, from the manufacture of aircraft, cars, and bicycles to superconductor components. They have been proven to be stronger yet more flexible than steel and other widely used materials. This text is intended for professionals in engineering and materials science who are new to the field, and for senior undergraduate and graduate students seeking an introduction to composites. The material presented has been drawn from extensive course notes developed by both authors over many years. Beginning with basic definitions and an overview of the current status of composites technology, it takes the reader through the theory and experimental results of research with many types of composite materials. Daniel and Ishai emphasize computational procedures and include both computer programs and flow charts for computations. One extensive chapter is devoted to experimental characterization and testing, including the latest test methods and ASTM standards. The design methodology and optimization process are described and illustrated with a specific example. A wide variety of instructional sample problems are included. As an innovative look at a burgeoning field, this book is essential for undergraduates and graduate students interested in studying composite materials.