Patent ID: 7809454
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: B29C,G05B,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A computer implemented method, comprising: receiving, at a computer running a simulation process, a digital part definition for a composite part and a model of an automated material placement system for creating the composite part; responsive to receiving the digital part definition, analyzing, by a processor of the computer, the digital part definition, including one or more surface areas and one or more panel contours; entering a set of performance variables into a graphical user interface of the computer, the set of performance variables comprising a tape width, a tape head lay-down, one of a tape head rotation and repositioning speed and a tape head repositioning speed, a ply thickness, a weight ratio, and an acceleration value for each of a plurality of tape head orientation angles; responsive to analyzing the digital part definition, simulating generation of a plurality of layers for creating the composite part using the digital part definition with respect to the set of performance variables for the model of the automated material placement system; calculating a plurality of times needed to form, in the model of the automated material placement system, the plurality of layers for the composite part at a plurality of layup speeds and selecting a time from the plurality of times; and managing an actual production of the composite part using the selected time from the simulation process.