A stringer (100) and corresponding method is provided having a runout design that softens the stringer. According to one aspect, the stringer includes a base flange (104), a web (102), and a noodle (114). The noodle (114) includes a unidirectional fiber top portion (212) and a stacked laminate bottom portion (210, 220) coupled to the top portion (212). The bottom portion (210, 220) includes a number of stacks (229A, 220B), each stack including three plies (108A, 108B, 108C) having three corresponding fiber orientations within an acreage region (202) of the stringer (100). In a transition region (204) of the stringer, the stacked laminate bottom portion (210, 220) includes a number of stacks (220B), each stack including the first and third plies (108A, 108C) of the acreage region. According to another aspect, the base flange is softened by dropping plies within the transition region. Yet another aspect includes trimming the web down to the noodle, while trimming through the noodle according to a trim radius to a height proximate the base flange.
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