"In my opinion, the book is very well written; it is easy to follow and includes topics that students, engineers, and researchers from different fields can find very interesting and useful. The examples are very well detailed and provide valuable guidance on how to implement and understand theoretical solutions when translated into finite element models of composite materials and structures. Overall, this is a great book if the reader is looking for a comprehensive treatment of composite materials covering detailed theoretical background followed by implementation of the concepts into practical problems using a powerful modeling tool such as Abaqus."
―Eduardo M. Sosa, West Virginia University
"The book is essential for any academic in the area of solid mechanics. I use this book with my students, as the subject and the materials are very clear and finite element codes in the book help their work progress and make my guidance more productive. It has both theory and applications using the finite element method. This book is also essential for composite engineers as a quick reference of topics that can be of use in their field."
―Gasser Abdelal, Queen’s University Belfast
"I will definitely adopt this text for my course. ... The use of Abaqus-based examples for the reinforcement of the theory and concepts allows students to learn how to apply the concepts using a popular finite element package that will provide each student with a marketable skill that is in demand by industry. The text has a good mix of finite element theory and composite material concepts that are reinforced through the example problems. The Abaqus examples are well organized and present the basic working knowledge in the use of Abaqus/CAE for the preprocessing, analysis in the solver, and the subsequent postprocessing."
―James A. Sherwood, University of Massachusetts Lowell
"This book by Prof. Barbero does an excellent job introducing the fundamentals of mechanics of composite materials and the finite element method in a concise way. Some of the most common problems that the practicing engineer has to face when designing with composites using finite element analysis are covered in detail. The later chapters in the book will be of great interest to the engineers and researchers interested in modeling the failure and post-failure behavior of composite structures.
The structure of the book is easy to follow as every chapter starts with an introduction and then the theory and examples are thoroughly developed. Lastly, exercises are included at the end of each chapter. A very complete and useful list of references is used and cited throughout the book. The use of Abaqus is well documented with step-by-step instructions, screen shots showing the menus, and Python scripts.
This book will be a valuable asset for any reader dealing with modeling of composite structures using the finite element method."
―Joaquin Gutierrez, Blade Dynamics LLLP
