ABSTRACT
As shown i n Chapte r 2 , composites wit h shor t fibers o r particulate s hav e genera l
isotropic properties , an d fo r suc h composites , conventiona l theorie s combine d
with som e knowledg e o n materia l characteristic s ar e acceptabl e fo r analysi s
and design . Suc h composite s ar e mainl y use d fo r lo w cost , hig h product io n
systems. However , th e max imu m specifi c strengt h and /o r stiffnes s ca n b e
obtained whe n lon g straigh t fibers ar e used . Mos t o f th e composit e materia l
structural element s ar e i n th e for m o f laminate d beam , plat e an d shel l types .
