Summary

Describes principles for predicting the deformation and strength of polymeric and composite materials on the basis of intensification and acceleration of relaxation and failure processes by such factors as temperature, pressure, stress, and loading methods. Discusses superposition methods, methods of equivalent damage and failure, and quasi-static test methods. Examines the prediction of deformation properties under the complex stress states prevalent in real structures. Generalizes basic experimental and theoretical results for several classes of polymeric materials, as well as composites, polymer blends, and multicomponent polymeric systems.