Engineering Design with Polymers and Composites (Materials Engineering)

There are many books available on polymer chemistry, properties, and processing, but they do not focus on the practicalities of selecting and using them correctly in the design of structures. Engineering students require an understanding of polymers and composites as well as viscoelasticity, adhesion, damping applications, and tribology in order to successfully integrate these materials into their designs. Based on more than twenty years of classroom experience, Engineering Design with Polymers and Composites is the first textbook to unite these topics in a single source.

The authors take a bottom-up functional approach rather than a top-down analytical approach to design. This unique perspective enables students to select the proper materials for the application rather than force the design to suit the materials. The text begins with an introduction to polymers and composites, including historical background. Detailed coverage of mechanical properties, viscoelastic behavior of polymers, composite materials, creep and fatigue failure, impact, and related properties follows. Discussion then turns to selection of materials, design applications of polymers, polymer processing, adhesion, tribology, and damping and isolation. Abundant examples, homework problems, tables, and illustrations reinforce the concepts.

Accompanied by a CD-ROM containing materials databases, examples in Excel®, and a laminate analysis program, Engineering Design with Polymers and Composites builds a strong background in the underlying concepts necessary for engineering students to successfully incorporate polymers and composites into their designs.

James C. Gerdeen, Ph.D., P.E., is a professor emeritus at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Science Center and a distinguished professor at Michigan Technological University. He has published over 65 papers and over 100 research reports. His research interests include pressure vessel design, structural analysis, metal working manufacturing, and mechanical design.

Ronald A.L. Rorrer, Ph.D., P.E., is an associate professor at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center. He has published over 30 papers and holds one patent. His research areas include tribology, polymers, composites, and bioengineering.