Introduction

Abstract

The first chapter introduces the major concept of composite material, i.e., the combination of different components, to obtain in total superior properties than a single component for itself. The focus is on fiber-reinforced composites where a single layer has unidirectionally aligned reinforcing fibers. The second part of this chapter introduces to major idea and the continuum mechanical background to model structural members. It is explained that physical problems are described based on differential equations. In the context of structural mechanics, these differential equations are obtained by combining the three basic equations of continuum mechanics, i.e., the kinematics relationship, the constitutive law, and the equilibrium equation. Furthermore, some explanations on the simplifications of the chosen theory, i.e., the classical laminate theory, are provided.