BLACSKBURG, March 13, 1998 -- Michael W. Hyer, professor of engineering science and mechanics at Virginia Tech, is the author of a new book published by WCP/McGraw-Hill titled "Stress Analysis of Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials." The book focuses on the mechanics aspects of fiber-reinforced composite materials.

Hyer develops classical lamination theory, and much of the book discusses the stresses due to applied deformations, applied loads, and temperature changes. As the book is intended for seniors and first year graduate students, no prior knowledge of composite materials is assumed. Hyer introduces a set of examples early in the text and builds upon them as additional concepts are developed. This set of examples provides continuity and allows the reader to evaluate the impact of more complex issues as the book progresses. Implications and interpretations of the various simplifying assumptions employed in studying the mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced materials are emphasized throughout.

Computer exercises that build upon one another provide reader-developed software tools for studying of the response of composite materials. The treatment of thermally induced stresses and emphasis on elastic couplings inherent with fiber-reinforced composite materials distinguishes this book from others in the field.

Twelve downloadable FORTRAN programs, which perform computations related to the material developed in the book, are available from the McGraw-Hill web site. A solutions manual with Mathematica and FORTRAN solutions to the homework exercises is available to adopters of the book. The book web site is http://stage.mhhe.com/engcs/engmech/hyer.

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