Manufacturing cost optimization and estimation combined computer of composite-stiffened panels

The primary goal of this study is to fully grasp the production flow of the new processing technologies for manufacturing composite stiffened panels incorporating cost as one of the design variables early in the design process. An approach is presented to determine the optimum process for cost as objective function. A cost estimation model is established based on the integrally molding process. In the model, the cost drivers which are related to the manufacture processes in terms of material, labor, tool and equipment costs are taken into account. At the same time, estimation software combined computer is developed to aid optimization design. A case of manufacturing composite stiffened panels with T-shaped stiffeners is examined. Excellent agreement shows the optimum process for cost is obtained for the composite stiffened panel with cocuring. It is also revealed that the estimation software combined computer is efficient. The estimation methodology is valid to guide design of the manufacturing process for the composite-stiffened panel.