Although there are many treatments of various properties of polymers in existing literature, this is the only one to apply this knowledge to the analysis and design of mechanical components. The book provides a historical overview of the field and modern design concepts such as strength-to-weight and cost-to-strength ratios. Then it introduces computer methods for selecting polymer materials from a database, for optimal and laminated plate design. Failure aspects and adhesion are also discussed. Useful appendices supply MATLAB® code and composite material properties, among other data. An accompanying CD-ROM contains materials databases, computer examples, and a program for laminate analysis.