Design, manufacture and analysis of variable-stiffness composite structures

A research progress review of design, manufacture and analysis of variable-stiffness composite structures is provided in this paper. There are some special issues in variable-stiffness composite structures compared with traditional ones. First, the concept of variable-stiffness structure and the mechanism of Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) technology were introduced. Second, the definition of tow path was described and the key points to be considered during design and manufacture were summarized. Third, the modeling and analysis methods for variable-stiffness composite structures were curtly described. The current research situation of the mechanical properties of variable-stiffness composite structures was presented from the aspects of optimization method, stiffness and buckling, failure, and vibration. At last, the research work in the area was summarized and the future prospects of this field were proposed.