Materials selection, preliminary design and sizing for composite laminates

Stress analysis for the design of composite laminates is commonly implemented by the use of computer programs based on laminated plate theory (LPT). The procedures outlined in the paper are based on the use of carpet plots, which are themselves generated using LPT principles, but provide a graphic illustration of the whole range of elastic properties available with the chosen system. They also provide an intuitive tool for selection of optimum laminate configurations. They are used in conjunction with some simple rules and provide a rapid and convenient tool for conceptual and preliminary design. The procedure may be conveniently executed using standard spreadsheet software on a personal computer.