METHOD FOR COMPUTER ANALYSIS OF AS-PROGRAMMED SURFACE QUALITY OF COMPOSITE STRUCTURE

A method for computer analysis of a quality of an as-programmed surface of a composite laminate. A first data set representing an as-programmed top surface is generated based on as-programmed ply definitions and a tool surface definition. Thereafter, a second data set representing coordinates of points of a first mesh on the as-programmed top surface is generated, which points form a first mesh. Then a third data set representing coordinates of points of a second mesh on a defined tool surface is generated. A respective angle of each mesh element of the first mesh relative to a corresponding mesh element of the second mesh is then calculated. Each angle is compared to a threshold of acceptable angle. In response to an acceptable number of angles exceeding a threshold of acceptable angle, a tow placement machine may be programmed to fabricate a composite structure using the as-programmed ply definitions.