Micro-Crack Initiation and Propagation in Fiber Reinforced Composites

This Doctoral thesis was completed during the period from January 2008 to August 2012 at the Polymeric composites group, Division of Materials Science, Luleå University of Technology, Sweden. For the accomplished work I must sincerely express my gratitude to my supervisor Professor Janis Varna, who has been a strong and contributing guide, an advisor, an authority, or, in other words, the best supervisor. I am also very grateful to him for his hospitality during all my stays in Luleå and for the highly dedicated atmosphere, which makes working in his group a great pleasure and experience.