Book excerpt: Structural Analysis of Polymeric Composite Materials studies the mechanics of composite materials and structures and combines classical lamination theory with macromechanic failure principles for prediction and optimization of composite structural performance. This reference addresses topics such as high-strength fibers, commercially-available compounds, and the behavior of anisotropic, orthotropic, and transversely isotropic materials and structures subjected to complex loading. It provides a wide variety of numerical analyses and examples throughout each chapter and details the use of easily-accessible computer programs for solutions to problems presented in the text.