Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation

Richard D Hale

Virginia M Vasey-Glandon

Jeffrey J Schmitz

A composite design optimization process for designing a laminate part includes steps for generating a globally optimized 3-D ply definition for a laminate part, optimizing the 3-D ply definition at the individual tow level, subsequently generating a feedback signal providing tow specific information, and modifying the 3-D ply and 3-D tow definition responsive to the feedback signal. A laminate part constructed using a composite design optimization process and a composite design optimization system used in designing a laminate part, comprising circuitry for generating globally optimized 3-D ply and 3-D tow definitions for a laminate part are also described.

Fiber placement and fiber steering systems and corresponding software for composite structures

A knowledge driven composite design optimization process for designing a laminate part includes steps for generating a globally optimized 3-D ply definition for a laminate part, and modifying the 3-D ply definition to include features of the laminate part, where the generating and modifying steps are parametrically linked to one another and are performed in the recited order. Preferably, the generating step includes substeps for determining connectivity between a plurality of regions defining the laminate part, subsequently generating ramp features detailing interconnection of the regions defining the laminate part, and displaying views and corresponding tabular data describing the laminate part and illustrating both inter-region connectivity and the ramp features as specified by a user. A knowledge driven composite design optimization system and associated computer memory for operating a general purpose computer as a knowledge driven composite design optimization system are also described.

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Lawrence, KS, United States of America

Richard D Hale