Rule-based app tape path design for aerospace composite structures a geometry-classified manufaturability assessment

acm7 Tracking Number 18

This paper presents a rule-based methodology for the design and manufacturability assessment of Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) tape path strategies for aerospace composite structures. A geometry classification framework based on Gaussian curvature is introduced and applied to two representative classes: Flat plates as a kinematic process reference and developable C-frame profiles as the primary case study. Parametric manufacturing studies evaluate layup rate, steering quality, gap and overlap coverage, and fiber angle deviation across multiple fiber orientations and path planning strategies. The comparison between direct 3D tool layup and 2D flat preform manufacture reveals rate improvements of up to 101%, and a holistic strategy assessment identifies constant direction and involute paths as complementary solutions addressing productivity and coverage quality respectively.