Daniel (theoretical and applied mechanics, Center for Intelligent Processing of Composites, Northwestern University) and Ishai (mechanical engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology) have added a more complete treatment of fundamental theory, more emphasis on widely-used materials, and a discussion of failure theories for this second edition of a text for advanced undergraduate and introductory graduate courses on composite materials in materials science and mechanical engineering. The design methodology and optimization process for composite structures are illustrated with specific examples. Sample problems and solutions are included. Annotation c2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)