Books on Composites
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by Simon McBeath and Brian O'Rourke
"With composites now commonplace in competition-specific automobiles, it's important for anyone involved in auto racing to understand what composites are and how to use them. This practical and completely illustrated guide takes readers through all aspects of composite-fiber applications with an emphasis on methods and materials for the home workshop. Topics covered include: explanations of composites and their properties, including glass, carbon fiber, core materials and resins; a step-by-step guide to "wet" and "dry" laminating techniques; pattern- and mold-making; and recent advances in both materials and technologies."
by Forbes Aird
"For many years, race cars of all types have been constructed with lightweight materials other than aluminum or steel. These include fiberglass, polymers, carbon fiber, kevlar and reinforced plastics. The application of this technology is also becoming more widely used on street cars as stronger materials, are developed, costs become lower and techniques are simplified. But the most widespread automotive application is still racing, and the equipment and technology available today now make it possible for racers to repair, and even construct their own lightweight body panels using these materials. This text is a comprehensive technical handbook on the most current technology behind fiberglass and other composite materials. It should be of interest to racing or automotive enthusiasts as well as the automotive engineering or design students and professionals."
by Jack Wiley. Also available in hardcover edition.
"Step-by-step instructions cover everything from safety precautions to materials selection to the final lamination process. Practice exercises offer hands-on experience for with glass cloth, mat, core materials, and resins. Information is provided on molding, structural concepts, and the caring for cured fiberglass. There is even a list of suppliers, repair techniques for materials other than fiberglass, and a complete section on covering wood with fiberglass."
by Keith Noakes
"Glass reinforced plastic or fiberglass is a composite material made from strands of glass and liquid resin. This versatile material is used in the construction of cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and aircraft. Fiberglass is an easy material for the DIY modeler or repairer to use."
by Doug McCleary
"With the basic tips, techniques, and background information you need to make every project a success, this guide includes sections on Planning, Chassis, Powertrain and Drivertrain, and Interiors. Perfect for anyone engaged in a partial or ground up kit or street rod project, or anyone who wants to improve his basic automotive skills."
by Ever J. Barbero
"Providing the main tools used for preliminary design of composites, this concise text covers all design aspects such as fiber and matrix selection, fabrication processes, prediction of material properties, and structural analysis of beams, plates, shells and other structures. The emphasis of the book is on practicality and design, not only through numerical examples, but also through explanations of the material. Incorporated throughout this book are modern analysis and design methodology, as well as special design-oriented sections and numerous examples. At the end of each chapter, suggested exercises are included to test the understanding of the material presented. Software, entitled Computer Aided Design Environment for Composites CADEC, is included which will allow for easy calculation of design equations."
by Daniel Gay, Suong Van Hoa, and Stephen W. Tsai
"Composite materials have grown rapidly both in their applications and their economic importance, and they will no doubt continue to do so. With this growth has come increased attention in engineering curricula, but most coursework tends to focus on laminate theory and the analysis of composites, not on the practical design aspects most important to engineers. Composite Materials: Design and Applications fills that gap. Updated and translated from the successful French text Materiaux Composites, it offers comprehensive coverage of composites and their use in a broad range of applications."
by Leroi Tex Smith
"This book covers the technology of fiberglass automobile bodies. Everything about hot rod and custom car building is covered in this book, from making molds to laying up fiberglass to working with aftermarket Glass bodies. This manual is a must for any rodder who is thinking of building his own design, or modifying something that already exists."
Revised: August 02, 2006.
