Modelling and layout design for an automated fibre placement mechanism

The fibre transmission path in an automated fibre placement (AFP) mechanism greatly affects the final embedded defects and mechanical properties when producing composite components. In this study, the technical requirements, logical movements and complex coupled relationships within multiple functional modules during fibre transmission are analysed. Using the functional classification method, we decompose AFP mechanism into four subsystems: the creel assembly, the tension measurement unit, the CCR unit (clamping cutting and restarting) and the compacting and heating mechanisms. To express the orientation and position of each subsystem as design variables, coordinate transformation is introduced. On the basis of the multidisciplinary optimization principle and the complex coupled relationship within the AFP mechanism, a multi-objective layout optimization with nested analysis and design approach is proposed for each functional component to address the complex mechanism layout problem. Finally, a 4-strip and 6-strip AFP mechanisms are then assessed to verify the proposed methodology. The results demonstrate that this approach can effectively realize the layout design for the AFP.