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J. Compos. Sci.
Special Issues
Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mechanical Analysis of Composite Materials
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Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mechanical Analysis of Composite Materials

A special issue of Journal of Composites Science (ISSN 2504-477X). This special issue belongs to the section "Composites Modelling and Characterization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2026 | Viewed by 2522

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jacques Lamon

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratoire de Mécanique Paris-Saclay, Ecole Normale Supérieure, University Paris-Saclay, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
Interests: fracture mechanics of composites; strength of fibers and multifilament tows; probabilistic approaches to fracture
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Jacob Aboudi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Engineering, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv 69978, Israel
Interests: elastodynamics; viscoelasticity; elastoplasticity; wave propagation; composite materials; fracture mechanics; contact problems and applied numerical solutions of partial diferential equations
Prof. Dr. Xin-Lin Gao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75275-0337, USA
Interests: micromechanics; homogenization; mechanics of composites; metamaterials; 3D-printed composites

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Composite materials are critical in many applications, and they can replace metallic materials in many systems or goods. Their range of applications is very broad, from room temperature to very high temperatures, and in ambient or severe environments. The composites of interest here consist of a matrix (polymers, ceramics, including carbon, and metals) reinforced by continuous and long fibers (ceramic, carbon, vegetal, Kevlar, etc.). The large variety of possible combinations of matrix and fiber types allows for the design of composite materials tailored to application requirements and performances. Composite engineering provides materials with properties superior to the properties of constituents considered separately.

Fiber-reinforced composites are heterogeneous and anisotropic materials. Mechanical analysis requires appropriate and specific approaches. Several issues are still unsolved, and questions are still open with a view to being able to properly characterize and safely predict the mechanical behavior and failure of components.

This Special Issue aims to cover the state of the art in the mechanical analysis of composites, modern developments, and innovative applications. Original research and review articles are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Jacques Lamon
Prof. Dr. Jacob Aboudi
Prof. Dr. Xin-Lin Gao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Composites Science is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polymer matrix composites
  • ceramic matrix composites
  • carbon/carbon composites
  • metallic matrix composites
  • fracture
  • damage
  • fatigue
  • creep
  • finite element analysis
  • simulation
  • numerical modeling
  • multiscale modeling
  • mechanical testing
  • NDE
  • acoustic emission
  • fractography

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 5174 KiB  
Article
A Numerical Study of the Effect of Hole Offset on Stress Concentrations Due to a Square Hole in a Quasi-Isotropic Composite Laminate
by Matthew K. Pirkle and Pankaj K. Mallick
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(6), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9060286 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 271
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hole offset of a square hole with rounded corners on stress concentration in a finite-width [03/(±45)3/903]S quasi-isotropic composite laminate using finite element analysis (FEA). The [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hole offset of a square hole with rounded corners on stress concentration in a finite-width [03/(±45)3/903]S quasi-isotropic composite laminate using finite element analysis (FEA). The corner radius of the square hole and its offset location were varied. For comparison, a circular hole, with its diameter equal to the sides of the square hole, was also considered. It is observed that the maximum stress concentration factor occurs in the 0° laminas, and it increases with decreasing hole edge-to-laminate edge distance. For the offset holes, both lamina and laminate stress concentration factors increase with decreasing hole edge-to-laminate edge distance, i.e., with increasing offset. The laminate stress concentration factor for the square holes decreases with increasing corner radius, and after reaching a minimum value, it starts to increase and approaches that of a circular hole. A square hole has a lower stress concentration at its corners than do the edges of a circular hole, if the corner radius is higher than a minimum value, which is dependent on the offset distance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mechanical Analysis of Composite Materials)
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18 pages, 2682 KiB  
Article
The Ultimate Flexural Strength of Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composite: A Multiscale Approach
by Jacques Lamon
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(6), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9060281 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
This paper tackles the important issue of the flexural strength of continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic composite. Estimates of the flexural strength of 2D woven SiC/SiC composite are extracted from symmetric and asymmetric 3-point bending test results using three independent approaches: (1) the equations of [...] Read more.
This paper tackles the important issue of the flexural strength of continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic composite. Estimates of the flexural strength of 2D woven SiC/SiC composite are extracted from symmetric and asymmetric 3-point bending test results using three independent approaches: (1) the equations of elastic beam theory for homogeneous solids, (2) finite element analysis of the stress state, (3) stress–strain relations in the tensile outer surface of specimens. Furthermore, the flexural strength is predicted from the ultimate tensile strength using a bundle failure model based on the fracture of the critical filament. It is shown that the equation of elastic beam theory significantly overestimates the flexural strength of the 2D SiC/SiC (620 MPa), while the alternate approaches and the predictions from the ultimate tensile strength converged to ≈340 MPa. The variability of strength data was approached using the construction of p-quantile diagrams that provide an unbiased assessment of the normal distribution function. Pertinent Weibull parameters are derived using the first moment equations. Important trends in the effects of the size, stress gradient, tension–flexure relations, strength of critical filament in a tow, and populations of critical flaws are established and discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mechanical Analysis of Composite Materials)
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16 pages, 5084 KiB  
Article
Novel Ductile Moment-Resisting Frame Compound of Steel Gusset Plate for Beam-to-Column Connections and I-Shaped FRP Profile Sections
by Ali Ghamari, Chanachai Thongchom, Adamantis G. Zapris and Violetta K. Kytinou
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(6), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9060280 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 259
Abstract
Moment-resisting frames (MRFs) are characterized by high energy dissipation capacity relying on plastic hinge formation at the two ends of beams. Despite their numerous advantages, Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) profile sections used in MRF systems suffer from low ductility, which remains a dilemma. FRP [...] Read more.
Moment-resisting frames (MRFs) are characterized by high energy dissipation capacity relying on plastic hinge formation at the two ends of beams. Despite their numerous advantages, Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) profile sections used in MRF systems suffer from low ductility, which remains a dilemma. FRP profiles have emerged as a novel and valuable material with significant advancement in structural engineering. In this paper, an MRF system composed of novel gusset plate steel connections (to provide ductility) and FRP profile sections for beams and columns is proposed and investigated numerically and parametrically. The results indicate that up to a rotation of 0.04 rad, the proposed gusset plate dissipates energy, whereas the beam and columns remain essentially elastic. Accordingly, with an increase in the ratio of vertical length to thickness of the gusset plate, energy dissipation is reduced. Through an increase in the ratio of horizontal length to thickness of the gusset plate from 63.5 to 127 and 254, the ultimate strength of the connection is reduced by 4% to 10% and 3% to 7%, respectively. It is suggested that gusset plate thickness be selected in such a way that its slenderness is not less than 47. Subsequently, the required equation is proposed to achieve the optimum performance of the system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mechanical Analysis of Composite Materials)
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16 pages, 5091 KiB  
Article
Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Silane-Modified Al2O3 Nanoparticles: An Experimental Study
by Ting Zhang, Xujiang Chao, Junhao Liang, Bin Wang and Mengmeng Sun
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(5), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9050252 - 19 May 2025
Viewed by 418
Abstract
This study investigates the mechanical performance of epoxy resin composites reinforced with silane coupling agent-modified Al2O3 nanoparticles (m-Nano-Al2O3/epoxy). Three silane coupling agents (KH550, KH560, and KH570) were employed to functionalize the Al2O3 nanoparticles, [...] Read more.
This study investigates the mechanical performance of epoxy resin composites reinforced with silane coupling agent-modified Al2O3 nanoparticles (m-Nano-Al2O3/epoxy). Three silane coupling agents (KH550, KH560, and KH570) were employed to functionalize the Al2O3 nanoparticles, and their chemical structures were confirmed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The microstructure and elemental distribution of the composites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Mechanical properties, including tensile strength and hardness, were evaluated using a universal testing machine and a Rockwell hardness tester, respectively. The incorporation of m-Nano-Al2O3 significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix. Compared to pure epoxy, the KH570-modified composites demonstrate a remarkable 49.1% improvement in tensile strength and an 8.8% increase in hardness. These findings highlight the potential of surface-modified Al2O3 nanoparticles as effective reinforcements for high-performance epoxy composites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mechanical Analysis of Composite Materials)
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14 pages, 3035 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Effect of Impactor Hardness and Shape on the Impact Response of Composite Panels
by Zoe E. C. Hall, Yuancheng Yang, James P. Dear, Jun Liu, Richard A. Brooks, Yuzhe Ding, Haibao Liu and John P. Dear
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(5), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9050230 - 2 May 2025
Viewed by 390
Abstract
In recent decades, the application of composite materials in aerostructures has significantly increased, with modern commercial aircraft progressively replacing aluminum alloys with composite components. This shift is exemplified by comparing the material compositions of the Boeing 777 and the Boeing 787 (Dreamliner). The [...] Read more.
In recent decades, the application of composite materials in aerostructures has significantly increased, with modern commercial aircraft progressively replacing aluminum alloys with composite components. This shift is exemplified by comparing the material compositions of the Boeing 777 and the Boeing 787 (Dreamliner). The Boeing 777 incorporates approximately 50% aluminum alloy and 12% composite materials, whereas the Dreamliner reverses this ratio, utilizing around 50% composites and 12% aluminum alloy. While metals remain advantageous due to their availability and ease of machining, composites offer greater potential for property tailoring to meet specific performance requirements. They also provide superior strength-to-weight ratios and enhanced resistance to corrosion and fatigue. To ensure the reliability of composites in aerospace applications, comprehensive testing under various loading conditions, particularly impact, is essential. Impacts were performed on quasi-isotropic (QIT) carbon-fiber reinforced epoxy panels with stainless steel, round-nosed and flat-ended impactors with rubber discs of 1-, 1.5- and 2 mm thickness, adhered to the flat-ended impactor to simulate the transition between hard and soft impact loading conditions. QIT composite panels were tested in this research employing similar lay-ups often being implemented in aircraft wings and other structures. The rubber discs were applied in the flat-ended impactor case but not for the round-nosed impactor due to the limited adhesion between the rubber and the rounded stainless-steel surface. Impact energies of 7.5, 15 and 30 J were investigated, and the performance of the panels was evaluated using force-time and force-displacement data alongside post-impact ultrasonic C-scan imaging to assess the damaged area. Damage was observed at all three energy values for the round-nosed impacts but only at the highest impact energy when using the flat-ended impactor, leading to the hardness study with adhered rubber discs being performed at 30 J. The most noticeable difference with the addition of rubber discs was the reduction in the damage in the plies nearest the top (impacted) surface. This suggests that the rubber reduces the severity of the impact, but increasing the thickness of the rubber from 1 to 2 mm does not notably increase this effect. Indentation clearly plays a significant role in promoting delamination at low-impact energies for the round-nosed impactors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mechanical Analysis of Composite Materials)
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33 pages, 2465 KiB  
Article
A Unified Size-Dependent Theory for Analyzing the Free Vibration Behavior of an FG Microplate Under Fully Simply Supported Conditions and Magneto-Electro-Thermo-Mechanical Loads Considering Couple Stress and Thickness Stretching Effects
by Chih-Ping Wu and Cheng-Dao Hsu
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(5), 201; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9050201 - 24 Apr 2025
Viewed by 313
Abstract
This work develops a unified size-dependent shear deformation theory (SDSDT) to analyze the free vibration behavior of a functionally graded (FG) magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) microplate under fully simply supported conditions, open- or closed-circuit surface conditions, biaxial compression, magnetic and electric potentials, and uniform temperature [...] Read more.
This work develops a unified size-dependent shear deformation theory (SDSDT) to analyze the free vibration behavior of a functionally graded (FG) magneto-electro-elastic (MEE) microplate under fully simply supported conditions, open- or closed-circuit surface conditions, biaxial compression, magnetic and electric potentials, and uniform temperature changes based on consistent couple stress theory (CCST). The FG-MEE microplate is composed of BaTiO3 (a piezoelectric material) and CoFe2O4 (a magnetostrictive material). Various CCST-based SDSDTs, considering couple stress and thickness stretching effects, can be reproduced by employing a generalized shape function that characterizes shear deformation distributions along the thickness direction within the unified SDSDT. These CCST-based SDSDTs encompass the size-dependent classical plate theory (CPT), first-order shear deformation theory (SDT), Reddy’s refined SDT, exponential SDT, sinusoidal SDT, and hyperbolic SDT. The unified SDSDT is validated by comparing its solutions with relevant three-dimensional solutions available in the literature. After validation and comparison studies, we conduct a parametric study, whose results indicate that the effects of thickness stretching, material length-scale parameter, inhomogeneity index, and length-to-thickness ratio, as well as the magnitude of biaxial compressive forces, electric potential, magnetic potential, and uniform temperature changes significantly impact the microplate’s natural frequency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mechanical Analysis of Composite Materials)
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13 pages, 9205 KiB  
Article
Fracture Behavior of Additively Manufactured Carbon Fiber Reinforced Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate Containing Cracks and Notches
by Sergio Cicero, Sergio Arrieta, Fabrizia Devito, Borja Arroyo and Fulvio Lavecchia
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(4), 185; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9040185 - 11 Apr 2025
Viewed by 359
Abstract
Within the context of the increasing use of additive manufacturing techniques and the corresponding need to understand the behavior of 3D-printed materials, this paper analyzes the fracture behavior of additively manufactured carbon fiber reinforced (10 wt.%) acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA) with three different raster orientations [...] Read more.
Within the context of the increasing use of additive manufacturing techniques and the corresponding need to understand the behavior of 3D-printed materials, this paper analyzes the fracture behavior of additively manufactured carbon fiber reinforced (10 wt.%) acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA) with three different raster orientations (90/0, 45/−45, 30/−60). The analyzed material (ASA-CF10) combines the remarkable resistance to weathering agents typical of ASA with the enhanced mechanical properties resulting from the inclusion of carbon fiber reinforcement. The analysis is performed on single-edge-notched bending (SENB) specimens containing different types of defects, from cracks to U-notches with notch radii of 0.5 mm, 1 mm and 2 mm. When compared to non-reinforced ASA, the fracture resistance is noticeably higher (nearly double) for the reinforced material in all raster orientations. The notch effect, defined as the increase in the fracture resistance when the notch radius increases, is analyzed through the Theory of Critical Distances (TCD), and it is mostly higher in the reinforced material than in the pristine polymer. These observations are supported by Scanning Electron Microscopy analyses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Mechanical Analysis of Composite Materials)
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