Automated fiber placement has been become the main manufacture method to produce airframes such as wings and fuselages

thus the research about automated fiber placement is more and more popular. The paper focuses on the common defects during automated fiber placement

including its types

its causes and its effects on mechanical properties. In the first section

the worldwide research about automated fiber placement is reviewed. Firstly

the summary of common defects in practical placement experiment of our team is introduced

and its possible causes are analyzed

and the research object includes thermoset prepreg

dry fibers and thermoplastic materials. Secondly

a review about common defects in automated fiber placement is introduced. Thirdly

the defects in steering analysis is studied. Fourthly

the layup quality of automated fiber placement on curved panel is analyzed. Finally

the main defects in layup of sandwich structures is investigated

and the defects of dry fibers and thermoplastic prepreg are studied respectively. The introduction and summary should be benefit for the quality improvement in the future automated fiber placement.