Modeling the stiffness and strength of aerospace structural elements

These difficulties have led to the development of models that start from a longer scale than the individual fiber and matrix, the scale of an individual ply. Based on this, models predicting stiffness of composite laminates or stmctures are quite accurate. Strength models on the other hand need further development. 

Composite airframe structures consist of special purpose parts (e.g., skins, spars, etc.), which, in turn, are made of smaller structural elements that are put together to create the various parts. The subdivision into structural elements is subjective and, often, a matter 

Flat or curved parts carrying primarily in-plane and pressure loads 

Stiffeners, stringers. One-dimensional parts carrying load along their axis 

Fittings and joints. Complex, usually three-dimensional, parts used to connect other structural elements and, typically, carrying loads in multiple directions 

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Modeling the stiffness and strength of aerospace structural elements... 

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