Double-Double: Simplifying the Design and Manufacture of Composite Laminates

The concept of "Double-Double" (DD) laminates facilitates homogenization, which can make mid-plane symmetry unnecessary. Moreover, single ply drops may be placed on exterior surfaces, mitigating interior defects. Laminates may be designed with little or no warpage, are easy to inspect and easy to repair. DD laminates are automatically balanced and dispense with the "ten percent rule". A single DD architecture can be optimized to serve an entire component, in contrast to multiple laminate stacking sequences and may be highly tapered, when transitioning to different thicknesses, to save weight and cost.