SIMULATION AND STRESS MODELING OF TOW-STEERED THERMOSET COMPOSITE LAMINATES IN AUTOMATED FIBER PLACEMENT

This study proposes an integrated approach to modeling and optimizing the Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) of tow-steered thermoset composite laminates. By focusing on the complex interactions between steering, stress development, and curing-induced distortion, the work aims to enhance both process simulation and the resulting laminate quality. The research includes the development of a comprehensive simulation framework to directly analyze the effects of tow steering during AFP, allowing for accurate prediction of stress distributions and potential defects without requiring a full deposition model. This model will compare the actual curing distortion to simulated outcomes, providing insights for optimizing material placement and minimizing defects. Additionally, a toolpath generation system was developed to streamline the design of tow-steered laminates and integrate directly into the AFP process and simulation, enabling enhanced control of fiber orientations during layup. This unified approach is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of tow steering and curing effects in AFP, improving the accuracy of defect prediction and process optimization for high-performance thermoset composites.