Rapid Prediction and Parameter Evaluation of Process-Induced Deformation in L-Shape Structures Based on Feature Selection and Artificial Neural Networks

The process-induced deformation (PID) during the manufacturing of thermosetting composite materials can significantly compromise manufacturing precision. This paper introduces an innovative method that combines a finite element analysis (FEA), feature classification algorithms, and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) framework to rapidly predict the PID of a typical L-shaped structure. Initially, a comprehensive range of parameters that influence PID are compiled in this research, followed by the generation of a dataset through FEA considering viscoelastic constitutive models, validated by experimental results. Influential parameters are classified using Random Forest and LASSO regression methods, with each parameter rated according to its impact on PID, delineating their varying degrees of importance. Subsequently, through a hyperparameter analysis, an ANN framework is developed to rapidly predict the PID, while also refining the assessment of the parameters’ significance. This innovative approach achieves a computational time reduction of 98% with less than a 5% loss in accuracy, and highlights that under limited computational conditions, considering only a subset or all of the parameters—the peak temperature, corner angle, coefficient of chemical shrinkage, coefficient of thermal expansion, curing pressure, and E1—minimizes accuracy loss. The study demonstrates that machine learning algorithms can effectively address the challenge of predicting composite material PID, providing valuable insights for practical manufacturing applications.