Curved panels

Abstract

The Self Forming Technique and the splice concept were developed for the manufacture of large single or double curved skin panels. This technique is very similar to the layup processes used for full composite structures. The application of the spliced concept enables the designer to design large skin panels, the only limitation being the size of the autoclave used for curing. Other details such as doublers, stringers, and thickness steps can be made during the same or subsequent autoclave cycle. The layup tool for the manufacture of those large skin panels can be a single curved or a double curved tool. The layup tools, which should have a high accuracy, have been designed as welded aluminium structures. For both single and double curved skin panels a few demonstrator panels have been made, which have proven the concepts for the large skin panel manufacture.