Design and Manufacture of Structural Composites

by Lee Harper (Editor), Mike Clifford (Editor)

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. It provides an insight into recent developments for each of the manufacturing processes covered, addressing design, cost, rate and mechanical performance. Topics covered include an introduction to composite materials, material preforming and conversion, moulding, digital design and sustainability, which addresses waste reduction, disassembly and fibre recovery. This book has been developed primarily as a teaching resource with contributions from leading experts in the field. The content has evolved from courses given by the authors to mechanical engineering and materials science students, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. It also draws upon experience gained during research projects and from leading industry experts. It therefore provides non-specialists with a valuable introduction to composite manufacturing techniques, helping to determine the most suitable manufacturing routes and to understand the challenges associated with the production of high-performance composite components.

584 pages, Paperback

Published December 16, 2022

About the author

I am a picture-book author/illustrator empty-nesting on a small farm in Pennsylvania with my wife Krista, a German shepherd, two barn-cats, ten chickens, four sheep, and two pigs. I have four children: Naomi, Nathan, Will, and Dan.

New in 2022 and 2023 are TURKEY'S VALENTINE SURPRISE and TURKEY'S SANDTASTIC BEACH DAY, my sixth and seventh illustrating collaboration with author Wendi Silvano.

I received my formal art training at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.