ABSTRACT
Fiber-reinforced laminated composites are different from metals in their elastic response, strength and failure characteristics, and damage tolerance. If the matrix in the composite is based on a polymer, then its sensitivity to temperature, moisture, and other environmental factors is also quite different from that of metals. These differences have prompted the development of new design approaches for laminated composites as discussed in the last two chapters. This chapter reviews the design considerations for polymer matrix laminates and then provides a few general design guidelines for these materials. These guidelines may be useful for engineers and designers who are more familiar with design techniques for metals and are now exploring the possibility of using laminated composites for their applications.
