Design of laminates by a novel “double–double” layup
Brúnó Vermes, Stephen W. Tsai, Thierry Massard, George Ś. Springer, Tibor Czigány
Abstract
We introduce the double–double composite layup method and highlight its advantages over the current industry standard layup method. Proof that the double–double (DD) layup method can significantly reduce the required number of plies in laminates and therefore reduce the weight of composite structures is provided. The 4-ply [± ϕ∕± ψ] sub-laminates can also make the design and manufacturing processes simpler and less prone to error compared to conventional (quad) layups. Layup homogenization that makes the novel layup method a viable option by mitigating warpage of non-symmetric laminates is also investigated both analytically and experimentally to prove its effectiveness.