Ply optimization feasibility analysis for multi-layer composite parts
First Claim
1. A method for selectively analyzing feasibility of optimizing fiber orientations for layers of a multi-layer composite part subdivided into panels that each comprise a fraction of an area of the composite part, the method comprising:
- identifying stacking sequence rules which constrain the composition of sublaminates that comprise consecutively stacked layers utilized during optimization; and
for each panel of the composite part, analyzing the panel by;
identifying ply counts that constrain a number of plies at the panel, wherein the ply counts indicate numbers of plies on a fiber orientation-by-fiber orientation basis;
selecting a number of sublaminates to utilize during optimization of the panel;
calculating ply count ranges for a laminate, based on the number of sublaminates and the stacking sequence rules;
determining whether the ply counts for the panel comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate, prior to performing optimization of the panel;
in the event that the ply counts for the panel do not comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate, preemptively excluding the number of sublaminates from being utilized during the optimization; and
in the event that the ply counts for the panel do comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate, choosing the number of sublaminates for consideration for the panel during the optimization; and
performing optimization of fiber orientations for the multi-layer composite part by, for each panel;
identifying a chosen number of sublaminates for the panel;
selecting a group of sublaminates up to the chosen number for consideration during optimization of the panel; and
stacking together the selected sublaminates within the panel in an order that enhances manufacturability of the composite part.
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Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for composite part design. One embodiment is a method for selectively analyzing feasibility of optimizing fiber orientations for layers of a multi-layer composite part subdivided into panels that each comprise a fraction of an area of the composite part. The method includes identifying stacking sequence rules that constrain the composition of sublaminates that comprise consecutively stacked layers utilized during optimization, for each panel of the composite part, analyzing the panel by identifying ply counts that constrain a number of plies at the panel, selecting a number of sublaminates to utilize during optimization of the panel, calculating ply count ranges for a laminate, based on the number of sublaminates and the stacking sequence rules, and determining whether the ply counts for the panel comply with the ply count ranges for the laminates.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for selectively analyzing feasibility of optimizing fiber orientations for layers of a multi-layer composite part subdivided into panels that each comprise a fraction of an area of the composite part, the method comprising:
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identifying stacking sequence rules which constrain the composition of sublaminates that comprise consecutively stacked layers utilized during optimization; and for each panel of the composite part, analyzing the panel by; identifying ply counts that constrain a number of plies at the panel, wherein the ply counts indicate numbers of plies on a fiber orientation-by-fiber orientation basis; selecting a number of sublaminates to utilize during optimization of the panel; calculating ply count ranges for a laminate, based on the number of sublaminates and the stacking sequence rules; determining whether the ply counts for the panel comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate, prior to performing optimization of the panel; in the event that the ply counts for the panel do not comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate, preemptively excluding the number of sublaminates from being utilized during the optimization; and in the event that the ply counts for the panel do comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate, choosing the number of sublaminates for consideration for the panel during the optimization; and performing optimization of fiber orientations for the multi-layer composite part by, for each panel; identifying a chosen number of sublaminates for the panel; selecting a group of sublaminates up to the chosen number for consideration during optimization of the panel; and stacking together the selected sublaminates within the panel in an order that enhances manufacturability of the composite part. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A non-transitory computer readable medium embodying programmed instructions which, when executed by a processor, are operable for performing a method for selectively analyzing feasibility of optimizing fiber orientations for layers of a multi-layer composite part subdivided into panels that each comprise a fraction of an area of the composite part, the method comprising:
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identifying stacking sequence rules which constrain the composition of sublaminates that comprise consecutively stacked layers utilized during optimization; and for each panel of the composite part, analyzing the panel by; identifying ply counts that constrain a number of plies at the panel, wherein the ply counts indicate numbers of plies on a fiber orientation-by-fiber orientation basis; selecting a number of sublaminates to utilize during optimization of the panel; calculating ply count ranges for a laminate, based on the number of sublaminates and the stacking sequence rules; and determining whether the ply counts for the panel comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate; in the event that the ply counts for the panel do not comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate, preemptively excluding the number of sublaminates from being utilized during the optimization; and in the event that the ply counts for the panel do comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate, choosing the number of sublaminates for consideration for the panel during the optimization; and performing optimization of fiber orientations for the multi-layer composite part by, for each panel; identifying a chosen number of sublaminates for the panel; selecting a group of sublaminates up to the chosen number for consideration during optimization of the panel; and stacking together the selected sublaminates within the panel in an order that enhances manufacturability of the composite part. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus comprising:
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an interface that receives input indicating a geometry of a multi-layer composite part; and a controller that generates a design for the part by subdividing the composite part into panels that each comprise a fraction of an area of the composite part, and engaging in optimization to select fiber orientations for layers of those panels, the controller identifies stacking sequence rules that constrain the composition of sublaminates that comprise consecutively stacked layers utilized during optimization, and for each panel of the composite part, analyzes the panel by identifying ply counts that constrain a number of plies at the panel, wherein the ply counts indicate numbers of plies on a fiber orientation-by-fiber orientation basis, selects a number of sublaminates to utilize during optimization of the panel, calculates ply count ranges for a laminate, based on the number of sublaminates and the stacking sequence rules, and determines whether the ply counts for the panel comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate, in the event that the ply counts for the panel do not comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate, the controller preemptively excludes the number of sublaminates from being utilized during the optimization, in the event that the ply counts for the panel do comply with the ply count ranges for the laminate, the controller chooses the number of sublaminates for consideration for the panel during the optimization, and the controller performs optimization of fiber orientations for the multi-layer composite part by, for each panel;
identifying a chosen number of sublaminates for the panel, selecting a group of sublaminates up to the chosen number for consideration during optimization of the panel, and stacking together the selected sublaminates within the panel in an order that enhances manufacturability of the composite part. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification