Patent ID: 8540921
Filing Date: 2013-09-24
Classification: B32B,B64C,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for manufacturing a composite stringer, the method comprising: placing a plurality of structural members within a foam, the plurality of structural members comprising at least one of a number of pins, a number of tubes, and a number of rods; laying up a composite material and the foam with the plurality of structural members within the foam onto a tool in the form of a stringer, wherein the plurality of structural members has at least a first orientation and a second orientation, the first orientation and the second orientation being different from each other, the plurality of structural members configured to resist a number of loads on the stringer including at least compressive loads; placing the foam and the composite material onto a skin ply such that the plurality of structural members within the foam do not substantially pierce the skin ply; wherein the structural members extend from the skin ply to a first and a second wall of the composite stringer and wherein the structural members are positioned substantially within the foam; and curing the composite material, the foam in the form of the stringer, and the plurality of structural members to form the composite stringer.