Effect of gaps/overlaps induced waviness on the mechanical properties of automated fiber placement (AFP)-manufactured composite laminate

Abstract Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) process is widely used to produce lightweight composite components owing its excellent flexibility and efficiency. However, the out-of-plane fiber waviness induced by gaps overlaps inevitably formed in AFP lack experimental studies. Therefore, an research proposed study influence mechanism of waviness. Herein, based on description shape waviness, relationship between magnitude factor axial elastic modulus laminate with established. By embedding layup, a new approach manufacturing sine wave sine-like proposed, rationality theoretical analysis properties verified. Finally, effect mechanical obtained tensile compression test. Experimental results show that decrease significantly increase factor. The similar wave, it feasible splice into for property analysis.