Every composite library needs to cover a few basic
topics: laminate analysis, manufacturing and testing. A broader
handbook or two and a general engineering reference will round out the
collection nicely. The books below are the ones I find myself turning
to most of the time. The selections are grouped by topic; the order
does not reflect importance.
1) Engineering Mechanics of Composite Materials
A book on laminate analysis is the one reference you
can't do without. It's hard to go wrong with any of the
textbooks currently published, but this one remains my
favorite. It has good coverage of hygrothermal effects and
material testing, and provides ample pictures, illustrations and
practice problems.
2) Design and Optimization of Laminated Composite Materials
This new book approaches laminate analysis as a
design task, instead of focusing purely on the mechanics of
analysis. Engineers designing laminates to meet specific
engineering requirements will appreciate the clear explanations
of optimization techniques, including Miki diagrams, integer
linear programming and genetic algorithms.
3) The Behavior of Structures Composed of Composite Materials
Analysis of composite beams, plates and
shells. Includes solutions for a variety of boundary conditions
and loadings for static, dynamic and stability problems. It is
out of print, but buy a used copy if you can. "The Behavior of
Sandwich Structures..." (also by Vinson; see the full list of
books) covers similar topics but is more advanced.
4) ASM Handbook Volume 21: Composites
This revised edition of the classic handbook from ASM
provides encyclopedic coverage of composites engineering. Topics
include materials, analysis, manufacturing, testing, applications and
more. In fact, it's hard to find a subject that isn't discussed to
some level of detail.
5) The Handbook of Sandwich Construction
This is the one reference anyone who works with sandwich
structures should own. It covers all important topics, including
materials, design, analysis and testing. This is an excellent example
of how engineering handbooks should be written.
6) Manufacturing of Polymer Composites
A comprehensive overview of composite manufacturing
processes. For each method, the author discusses the process, raw
materials and molds, crosslinking, component characteristics, and
applications. Includes chapters on QC, recycling and safety. Good for
learning about and comparing process, but not a how-to reference.
7) Composites Manufacturing
This newly-published reference quickly sold out its
first printing. It covers not just specific manufacturing processes,
but also the product development and design cycles, cost estimation,
and post-cure processing (such as machining and joining).
8) Experimental Characterization of Advanced Composite Materials
Coupon testing is almost always needed when dealing
with a new composite material or one that has not been characterized
in a public database. This reference shows the procedures for the most
common elastic and strength tests, plus less common methods for
thermoelastic, open hole and delamination specimens.
9) Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain
An indispensable reference for anyone performing
stress and strain calculations. The 7th edition now includes an
appendix on composites, showing how to apply the standard tables to
composite beam problems.
10) Mark's Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers
As a more general mechanical engineering reference,
"Mark's" is hard to beat. It covers a wide range of topics, including
materials, fluids, machine elements, mathematics, HVAC, electronics
and much more.