78 Book reviews

volume does provide a good insight into the future. Containing some 30
papers subdivided into 6 main categories, viz. Future Applications, New
Composite Approaches, Adhesives, Raw Materials, Durability and Per-
formance, and Processing, the text imparts an unmistakably practical
viewpoint of composites with many proven applications cited. Although
there are a number of conferences worldwide, each making a contribution
to knowledge in composites technology, it is most unusual to find one with
such a dominating industrial input. As such, its proceedings will appeal
primarily to industry rather than the academy, which is unusual as the
converse tends to be true.
Although the text contains a number of high-quality photographs and
diagrams, it was disappointing to note the obvious variation in text arising
from inconsistent typing in the various papers--always a danger with
camera-ready-copy publishing techniques.
In conclusion, the text is a worthwhile contribution to knowledge, of
sound practical significance, and should find a wide readership.

Applied Solid Mechanics---1. Edited by A. S. Tooth and J. Spence, 1986.

Elsevier Applied Science Publishers, London. Price: £60.00.

Although not of obvious relevance to the present readership, it is

undeniably true that many solutions to present problems in structural
engineering with composites are firmly based on earlier isotropic work.
Consequently it is never a waste of time to broaden one's spectrum of
reading material.
The present text, 'Applied Solid Mechanics--F, is a collection of twenty-
four papers dealing with a wide variety of problems within solid mechanics
viz. fracture mechanics, inelastic behaviour, impulsive loading, pipes and
vessels, buckling and stress analysis. With many of the papers written by
internationally acknowledged specialists in their respective fields the final
collation of the papers makes an impressive and substantial volume. The
text is logically compiled, most readable and cites a laudably up-to-date list
of references.
The text should find a place in most academic and research libraries with
an interest in solid mechanics.

Composite Materials Testing and Design. Edited by James M. Whitney,

1986. ASTM STP 893, American Technical Publications Ltd, Hitchin,
Herts, UK. Price: £59.00.

Being the proceedings of a conference sponsored by ASTM Committee

D-30 on 'High Modulus Fibers and Their Composites' held in Philadelphia,
 Book reviews 79

USA, in April 1984, the text is an edited version of the papers presented at
that time. Herein some 23 papers are subdivided into 5 chapter headings
viz. Structures, Failure Mechanisms, Strength, Delamination, Analysis
and Characterisation.
As the conference title implies this volume is predominantly of interest
to the 'high-tech' area of the composite structures market. Consequently
its readership will almost certainly be confined to that market, with little
exception. However, bearing in mind the substantial capital investment in
that market worldwide it is certain that the text will be well received and is
a worthwhile contribution to knowledge.

I. H. Marshall