ABSTRACT
The design methodologies of composite laminates subjected to in-plane loading are discussed in this chapter, and a ranking method is introduced for the design of laminated composites with or without a cutout. The laminates available for design analysis can be generated by the following two approaches: varying the thickness ratios of laminate within a family or several families of laminates and applying rigid body rotation of a family or several families of laminates. A ranking method is introduced for the design of composite laminates which are symmetrical with respect to their mid-planes. The design of composite structures can be based on either strength, stiffness or stability. The strength or stiffness-based design criteria involve the following key elements: stress analysis, strength analysis or computation of stiffness and design methodology. A computer program has been written using Fortran 77 for the stress and strength analyses, and design of composite laminates for in-plane loadings.
