Automated Fiber Placement: Status, Challenges, and Evolution

Discover the cutting-edge technology driving the next generation of aerospace, automotive, and space exploration. Automated Fiber Placement: Status, Challenges, and Evolution offers a comprehensive dive into AFP-an innovative method that's transforming how complex, lightweight structures are built.

Over the last 50 years, fiber-reinforced composites have revolutionized industries, particularly aerospace, with carbon fiber reinforced polymers at the forefront. AFP has enabled lighter, more durable aircraft with reduced fuel consumption and improved longevity. As the aerospace industry advances with new platforms like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350, AFP continues to evolve, integrating machine learning and automation to deliver higher efficiency and lower costs.

This book serves as an essential guide, presenting a decade of research in clear, accessible language. Whether you're a student, engineer, or industry professional, you'll gain a thorough understanding of AFP and its transformative potential. Learn how it supports the rise of advanced air mobility and sustainable structures for commercial and defense aircraft, space habitats, and beyond.

Join us on the journey to the future of composite materials and manufacturing, where AFP stands as the key to unlocking new possibilities for a more sustainable, efficient, and innovative world.

Dr. Ramy Harik, a Fulbright Alumni, is the Director of the Clemson Composites Center and a Professor of Automotive Engineering at Clemson University. Ramy holds a bachelor's/master's degree in mechanical engineering, a master's degree in automated manufacturing, and a PhD in industrial/ mechanical engineering. Dr. Harik serves as an associate editor for SME Manufacturing Letters and authored the Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing textbook published by SAE. He has secured over 15 million USD in funding from NASA, NSF, Boeing, Toray and others. Recognized as one of the top 20 influential professors in Smart Manufacturing by SME's Smart Manufacturing Magazine in 2020, he has extensive teaching experience globally and has supervised over 20 graduate students and founded research initiatives. His book Manufacturing vs Corruption: Who Wins? won the 2023 Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite for Social/Political Change books. In June 2024, Dr. Harik received the SC Governor's Award for Excellence in Scientific Awareness, South Carolina's highest honor for promoting science education and supporting the future workforce.

Dr. Alex Brasington is a distinguished material and process engineer in the defense industry, focusing on the research and development of next-generation materials and processes for the production of composite structures. Recognized as an SME 30 under 30 recipient, Dr. Brasington holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, a master's degree in aerospace engineering, and a PhD in mechanical engineering. His expertise lies in composite materials and advanced manufacturing techniques, particularly automated fiber placement (AFP). Dr. Brasington has in-depth knowledge of AFP path planning and process optimization. He has demonstrated significant leadership in his field as an ACM6 scientific chair, guest editor for Manufacturing Letters, and collaborator with industry-leading companies such as NASA, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin.