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Around a CUTOUT or BOLT HOLE in a composite, the design challenge is:
A{'text': 'Drilling is cheap', 'label': 'A'}
B{'text': 'Stress concentration at the cutout requires REINFORCEMENT plies (build-ups) — but these locally change thickness, complicating balance and symmetry', 'label': 'B'}
C{'text': 'Holes weaken metals more', 'label': 'C'}
D{'text': 'No special design needed', 'label': 'D'}
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. {'text': 'Stress concentration at the cutout requires REINFORCEMENT plies (build-ups) — but these locally change thickness, complicating balance and symmetry', 'label': 'B'}
Composite ply termination at a cutout creates stress risers. Common fix: extra plies (build-up) at the boundary, plus interleaved drop-offs. Each addition must preserve laminate symmetry and balance — difficult in 3D for complex geometries.
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