Redundant experimental data are usually required to determine the best
value for the whole set of compliances of an anisotropic laminate. A
method is presented here to optimize the compliance tensor values usin
g the five invariants of fourth-rank compliance tensors. A vectorial r
epresentation of those invariants is given. It provides a compact pres
entation of the data and reveals the experimental scatter. Experimenta
l data obtained with bending tests on plates are used as an example to
optimize the flexural compliance tensor of a laminate and to show the
relevance of the method in practice.