Reconfiguration of Composite Structures

Recall from discussion of the structural design process in Section 7.2 that reconfiguration of the structure is an essential step. Reconfiguration occurs either to increase the capability or to decrease the weight because the structure has more than adequate capability. The term ca-pabi/ity s meant to include margin of safety relative to fracture, adequate resistance to buckling, sufficient difference of excitation frequency from resonant frequencies, etc. 

we can, of course, make a material substitution. We can often substitute one specific graphite-epoxy for another member of the graphite-epoxy family. We can obviously substitute one metal for another metal. We can also substitute a composite material for a metal. All those approaches are taken in the interest of weight savings or cost savings, although the substitutions could also be made solely to achieve the required function of the structure. 

Unique and unusual stiffening concepts can make composite structures far more effective and efficient than metal structures. We have introduced some of these stiffening concepts, but more are being developed. We should look fonward to even more innovative unique-to-composites stiffening concepts in the future. 

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Figure 7-36 Configuration Trade-offs 7.4.5 Reconfiguration of Composite Structures...

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