Fiber Angle Optimization and Tow Path Planning on 3D Curved Surfaces Using the Multiple Mesh Approach

Variable stiffness composites are composite structures in which some of the plies are steered, the tow paths are allowed to change orientation within the ply. Finding the optimal fiber orientation, and corresponding tow paths, is possible through the lamination parameters framework and the manufacturing finite element mesh framework (MFEM). In this article the implementation of the 2D MFEM framework is extended to incorporate the optimization of 3D shell structures. Both the optimization methodology and the tow path planner for 3D surfaces are presented and discussed here.