Simplified Weight Savings Techniques for Composite Panels

This paper presents simple techniques to design unstiffened, strength-controlled composite panels while exploiting the high unidirectional strength composites offer. Ply orientations are rotated until the best orientations are found to produce the lightest weight structure. Strength is then aligned to where, and only where, it is necessary. The techniques presented include provisions for the design of panels where the loads are not constant across the length and width of the panel. An important additional con sideration is the selection of ply stacking under multiple loading conditions. In an ex ample panel design, the techniques result in a 13% weight reduction over conventional [0i/90 j/±45k]s laminates.