Analytical and numerical modelling of in-situ processing, mechanical performances and applications in automated fibre placement (AFP) – A review

Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) is a widely adopted composite manufacturing process in the aerospace, automotive, and pressure vessel industries. Over the past 30 years, the process has experienced significant advancements, with analytical in-situ process modelling and finite element (FE) simulations remaining key areas of research for current and future development. This review highlights various modelling and simulation approaches used to assess the mechanical performance of AFP-manufactured products across different applications. Additionally, it explores fundamental research on the effects of defects and in-situ processing parameters on AFP. It also reviews newly developed machine learning techniques applied in this field.