Major Accomplishments in Composite Materials and Sandwich Structures

This book represents a collection of major research contributions over the last decade in the area of composite materials and sandwich structures supported by the USA Office of Naval Research under the directorship of Dr. Yapa D. S. Rajapakse. It contains over thirty chapters written by recognized experts in their fields and serves as a reference and guide for future research. Topics covered include: mechanical and failure characterization of composites under static and dynamic loading; failure modes and failure criteria; environmental effects; dynamic effects; post impact behavior; multiscale modeling; nanocomposites; characterization of core materials for sandwich structures under static and fatigue loading; mechanical behavior and failure of sandwich structures; fatigue behavior and durability of composite materials and sandwich structures; core joints in sandwich structures; characterization and failure of marine materials and structures under impulse loading; failure of interfaces under dynamic loading; delamination failure of composite materials and sandwich structures; response of composites and sandwich structures to blast loading and underwater explosions.