Composite Design Basics
Fibre orientation & angle control
A composite ply is strongest and stiffest along its fibres. The 0° direction is a designer-defined reference axis; 90° carries transverse loads and ±45° primarily carry in-plane shear and torsion.
In simple terms
A composite ply is strongest and stiffest along its fibres. The 0° direction is a designer-defined reference axis; 90° carries transverse loads and ±45° primarily carry in-plane shear and torsion.
Best for
Watch out for
Typical applications
All structural laminates, especially beams, pressure vessels, torsion tubes, shells, joints and cut-outs.
Related tools
Use the calculators to turn these concepts into preliminary engineering estimates.