ABSTRACT

The superior strength of unidirectional composites along the fiber direction and relatively weak transverse to the fiber direction is one of the key parameters that needs to be considered in designing with composite structures. This chapter develops an iterative method for the design of laminated composites containing an elliptical opening and subjected to in-plane loading. There is a lack of rigorous study concerning the optimal design of a structure that takes into account the stress concentrations around the cutouts. The design methodology can be based on either strength or stiffness. For a strength-based methodology, the computations include a stress analysis, a failure criterion, and an approach that generates layups with high strength values. An iterative method is developed for the design of composite structures containing cutouts and subjected to in-plane loadings. The objective of this design methodology is to generate a laminate with minimum thickness for a given loading condition and the specific opening configuration.