Basic Mechanics of Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials

This paper is an introduction to the basic mechanics of fiber reinforced composite materials. Emphasis is placed on describing the general approach to composite prob lems and how principles of mechanics can be utilized in predicting composite mechanical behavior. Some description of composite materials and their fabrication is also in cluded. Because of the anisotropic and non-homogeneous character of these materials, basic principles of anisotropic mechanics and application of these principles to composite materials are discussed.