Chapter 5 Integrated Structural Health Monitoring, Embedded Sensors, and Composites—Parts and Products

This essential information captures the state of the composites industry to assist engineering/technical professionals in charting a course for achieving economic success. The material characteristics of composites, their applications, and complex composites manufacturing processes depend on many factors. These are all fully considered and presented to meet the challenges that face this marketplace. The expert panel of writers from various industry segments (i.e., commercial/military aerospace, wind energy, automotive, and bicycle industries) address fundamental topics and explore the affordability of composites from raw material to end-of life-disposal costs with skilled perspectives that include: • Material characteristics and economics of composite structure • Complex manufacturing and specifics of assembly methods • Applications for composites • Product and human health • Safety and environmental impacts The authors provide strong basic economics concepts that are directly applied to the composites industry. The content conveys both the reality of the industry, as well as the trends and constantly emerging challenges that impact the cost of composites and are necessary for return on investment, as well as enabling the full potential of composites.