Manufacture of Composite Panels with J-Shape Stiffeners

The use of composite materials in primary structure of aircraft is becoming more common. Stiffened composite panels have been designed for a variety of load carrying conditions in aircraft. In this, study, manufacturing techniques for stiffened composite panels were reviewed and discussed. Co-curing and secondary bonding manufacturing techniques were used to produce four stiffened composite panels. Experience gained with these techniques is discussed. Ultrasonic C-scan inspection was carried out to detect any defects in the panels. These panels were tested in compression to verify their structural capability in the post-buckled state. This paper presents the details of the tool design concepts and manufacturing techniques, and identifies and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each manufacturing technique.