Closed-form methodology for stress analysis of composite plates with cutouts and non-uniform lay-up

This study aims to develop a closed-form methodology for estimating the resultant forces in a finite composite plate, weakened by the presence of elliptical cutouts, under membrane loads. Following an innovative approach, the developed methodology can deal, in the presence of cutouts, with a non-uniform lay-up distribution in the plate. To this end, different laminate features, including the stacking sequence, thickness, and even local reinforcements, will be considered as variable inputs. The main motivation behind this research is to increase the range of applicability of the closed-form methodologies devoted to the structural analysis of composite plates with cutouts, with the purpose of using the present methodology in the first phases of component design.