Patent ID: 7673433

Claim:
A damage-tolerant monolithic structure configured to resist cracking, the structure comprising: a substantially-planar element having a length, width and thickness; and one or more first stiffening elements monolithically integrated into the first planar element and running in a parallel direction, wherein each first stiffening element includes, a first stiffening flange having a generally rail-like structure running along the length of the planar element; and a first webbing connected to the planar element and extending away from the planar element to the stiffening flange; wherein the first webbing includes a first row of integral holes running along the length of the first webbing, wherein the holes are substantially oval in shape to hinder the progress of a crack in the monolithic structure; a second webbing including a second row of integral holes running along the length of the second webbing, the second row or integral holes having holes staggered relative to the holes in the first row of integral holes; and one or more second stiffening elements monolithically integrated into the planar element on a side of the planar element opposite the first stiffening elements, wherein the second stiffening elements run in a non-parallel direction with respect to the first stiffening elements.