Flow Induced Alignment in Composite Materials

The purpose of aligning short fibres in a fibre-reinforced material is to improve the mechanical properties of the resulting composite. Aligning the fibres, generally in a preferred direction, allows them to contribute as much as possible to reinforcing the material. Flow induced alignment in composite materials details, in a single volume, the science, processing, applications, characterisation and properties of composite materials reinforced with short fibres that have been orientated in a preferred direction by flows arising during processing. The topics discussed include fibre alignment and materials rheology; processes that can produce fibre alignment in polymeric, liquid crystal polymeric, and metallic composites; materials characterization and mechanical properties; and modelling of processes and materials properties. The technology of fibre-reinforced composites is continually evolving and this book provides timely and much needed information about this important class of engineering materials. The bookis an essential reference work for industry and an indispensable guide for the research worker, advanced student and materials scientist.