Composite laminate cards of finite size, tapered composite laminate structures formed from the same, and methods of manufacturing and using the same

Abstract

Described are various dual-tapered composite laminate structures. These structures may comprise a plurality of finite sub-laminate cards, each one of the plurality of cards having the same shape and size as the other ones of the plurality of cards and having opposing surfaces oriented in a card plane, opposing primary edges of the planar surfaces, and opposing secondary edges of the planar surfaces, the opposing secondary edges being perpendicular to the opposing primary edges. The finite sub-laminate cards are stacked relative to one another in a successively offset manner. Also described are methods of stacking and sliding (for offset) the finite sub-laminate cards. Tapered fuselage skin and fuel tank covers are also considered.