The Use of Composite Materials in Engineering

Abstract

Technological advancements in industries such as those based on aerospace, nuclear power generation and transportation, and with a drive towards more energy efficient systems, new materials have had to be developed to meet the challenge. To satisfy these requirements of increasing resistance to hostile environments, providing higher strengths and moduli and maintaining weight reductions, has meant that new advanced materials, other than conventional metals and alloys have had to be developed. These new materials are often based on composite systems comprising of polymer, ceramic or metal matrix materials with reinforcing materials including carbon, ceramics and metals.