The multi-scale design and structural optimization methods of fiber-reinforced composite materials in the automotive sector hold significant promise for guiding the next generation of automotive design. Recent years have witnessed a marked increase in research focused on the multi-scale optimization of composite materials. This article presents a review of the structural analysis and optimal design methods applicable to composite materials in automobiles. The analysis integrates both material and structural characteristics in the application of composite materials to automotive structures and examines the limitations of current optimization methods in addressing the multi-scale and multi-objective challenges associated with these materials. Based on the design and performance of automotive structural composite materials, the article summarizes optimization methods aimed at enhancing the structural performance and reliability of composite materials. Additionally, it evaluates several fast, versatile, and cost-effective multi-scale multi-objective optimization methods, highlighting their potential for engineering applications. These methods are identified as urgent challenges and key research directions that necessitate breakthroughs. Finally, the article discusses the future research landscape and the challenges inherent in the multi-scale design of composite structures.
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