This paper addresses the optimisation of forming in manufacturing of composites.
A simplified finite element model of draping is developed and implemented. The
model incorporates the non-linear shear response of textiles and wrinkling due
to buckling of tows. The model is validated against experimental results and it
is concluded that it reproduces successfully the most important features of the
process. The simple character of the model results in low computational times
that allow its use within an optimisation procedure. A genetic algorithm is used
to solve the optimisation problem of minimising the wrinkling in the formed
component by selecting a suitable holding force distribution. The effect of
regularisation is investigated and the L-curve is used to select a
regularisation parameter value. Optimised designs resulting from the inversion
procedure have significantly lower wrinkling than uniform holding force
profiles, while regularisation allows force gradients to be kept relatively low
so that suggested process designs are feasible
