A weight-efficient design strategy for cutouts in composite transport structures

Two design procedures for composite panels with cutouts are described and illustrated by example applications. One of these procedures uses a specialized cutout analysis code to obtain preliminary sizing information for the panel laminate, cutout padup, and cutout stiffener reinforcements. The other procedure uses a finite element based structural optimization code to develop a minimum weight panel design. The best features of both procedures form the basis of a design strategy for weight-efficient cutout panels.