Characterization of Nonsymmetric Forms of Fully Orthotropic Laminates

Abstract

DOI: 10.2514/1.32938 Stacking-sequence listings are presented in abridged form for fully orthotropic angle-ply laminates with up to 21 plies, which are characterized in terms of angle- and cross-ply subsequence symmetries. The abridged set of sequences is derived from a new definitive list that supersedes previously published listings. Laminate stacking sequences are presented together with dimensionless parameters from which the extensional and bending stiffness termsarereadilycalculatedandanassessmentofthebendingstiffnessefficiencycanbemadeforangle-andcross-ply subsequences. Expressionsrelating the dimensionless parameters to the well-known lamination parameters are also given, together with graphical representations of feasible domains for all subsequence symmetries contained in the definitive list. Feasible domains for extensionally isotropic and fully isotropic laminates are also presented as important subsets of fully orthotropic laminates. Finally, examples are given for tapered laminates with fully orthotropic properties, derived from compatible sequences in the definitive list.