A review of structural topology optimization for fiber-reinforced composites

In recent years, advancements in additive manufacturing and automated fiber placement technologies have significantly improved the production of continuous fiber-reinforced composite materials. These developments have positioned topology optimization as a crucial tool for designing components with superior mechanical properties. This paper reviews various optimization methods proposed for creating lightweight, highperformance designs by leveraging the design freedoms offered by advanced fabrication technologies. It compares existing strategies and discusses the challenges and future directions in producing fiber-reinforced composite structures through advanced manufacturing techniques. The conclusions highlight that fiber-reinforced composite materials, developed using topology optimization methods, exhibit superior performance compared to traditional methods.