This book presents the proceedings of the American Society for Composites 40th Technical Conference. This volume provides a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge innovations and critical testing in composite materials, emphasizing their role in next-generation aeronautical and space applications. With lightweight and multifunctional composites gaining prominence, understanding their mechanical properties, durability, and failure mechanisms is essential. The book addresses state-of-the-art testing and evaluation techniques, including mechanical, impact, fatigue, environmental testing, and nondestructive evaluation methods.

These are crucial for certifying advanced materials, such as repairable composites, ceramic matrix composites, structural batteries, and textile composites. In-depth chapters cover repair methods, including surface analysis to enhance bonding, single-vacuum-bag processes for in-aircraft repairs, and epoxy vitrimers to extend service life and minimize waste. For composites in extreme environments, durability is explored through studies on epoxy coatings for electrified roadways, oxidation models for ceramics, and fire degradation simulations. Impact and dynamic response sections focus on data-driven low-velocity impact assessments, impact toughness, ballistic damage monitoring, origami-inspired structures, and high-energy impact modeling. Multifunctional composites are highlighted for their role in 3D-printed structural batteries, self-powered sensors for damage detection, and materials with enhanced mechanical and electrical properties for energy storage. Process modeling and optimization are also featured, with advancements in viscoelastic modeling, textile reinforcement mechanics, and induction bonding. This collection captures pioneering research and sets a foundation for future industry innovations.

This volume carries unique scholarly and engineering values, with a comprehensive overview of advanced composite repair, multifunctionality, and process optimization alongside a wide range of multidisciplinary testing and evaluation techniques critical for certifying next-generation composites in industries like aerospace.

Dr. Shiyao Lin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). He is also a member of the Institute for Predictive Performance Methodologies (IPPM) at the UTA Research Institute (UTARI). Before joining UTA, Dr. Lin was a senior failure analysis R&D engineer at Intel Corporation and a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Michigan. Dr. Lin obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in Aerospace Engineering and his M.S. and B.S. degrees in Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering from Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST).

Dr. K.T. Tan is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Akron (UA), Ohio. He joined the university as an assistant professor in 2014, received indefinite tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2020 and full professorship in 2025. Dr. Tan’s primary research interests and expertise lie in the field of advanced composite materials, mechanical metamaterials, and biomimetic structures, in particular, their dynamic response and impact behavior under extreme environments. Dr. Tan currently serves in the executive committee of ASC as the recording secretary. He also directs the Center for Advanced Materials Performance (CAMP) at UA.