In the 15 years since the first edition was published, the subject of composite materials has become broader and of greater technological importance. In particular, composites based on metallic and ceramic matrices have received widespread attention, while the development of improved polymer-based systems has continued. There have also been significant advances in the understanding of how composite materials behave. Furthermore, the wider range of composite types has led to greater interest in certain properties, such as those at elevated temperature. We therefore decided to produce a major revision of the book, covering a wider range of topics and presenting appreciably deeper treatments in many areas. However, because the first edition has continued to prove useful and relevant, we have retained much of its philosophy and objectives and some of its structure. Throughout the book, emphasis is given to the principles governing the behaviour of composite materials. While these principles are applicable to all types of composite material, examples are given illustrating how the detailed characteristics of polymeric-, metallic- and ceramic-based systems are likely to differ.

The first chapter gives a brief overview of the nature and usage of composite materials. This is followed by two chapters covering, firstly, the types of reinforcement and matrix materials and, secondly, geometrical aspects of how these two constituents fit together. The next three chapters are concerned with the elastic deformation of composites. Chapter 4 deals with material containing unidirectionally aligned continuous fibres, loaded parallel or transverse to the fibre axis.