Fiber Placement Process Expert System

"Fiber placement has evolved into an accepted production process. As additional applications emerge and production rates increase, additional equipment must be brought on line to meet the demand. The major thrust of this research is to demonstrate thefeasibility of determining how composite parts could be effected when manufactured using different fiber placement machines. Through the ability to identify which part features are likely to be effected, decision makers can assess the risk oftransitioning qualified, production, fiber placed parts, from one machine to another. The system will enable users to formulate and implement risk reduction plans in order to minimize potential impacts on the acquisition program. This project willprovide the knowledge necessary, captured in a user friendly tool - the Fiber Placement Expert System (FiPES), that will enable this activity. The FiPES will permit machine builders, part fabricators, prime contractors, and end users to evaluate theramifications of transferring certified fiber placed parts from one machine to another. The FiPES will benefit DoD programs such as the Joint Strike Fighter, EELV, and unmanned aircraft. Commercial users could include business jet producers, spacepayload fairing fabricators and large commercial aircraft suppliers."