MANUFACTURING OF AIRCRAFT WING STIFFENERS USING 4D PRINTING OF COMPOSITES

This paper presents the procedure to make omega stiffeners using the method of 4D printing of composites. The method allows the manufacturing of complex structures without the need for a complex mold. Instead, flat layers of composite prepregs are laid on a flat mold. Due to the anisotropy of the different layers in the laminates, the stack of prepregs will change from its flat configuration into the omega shape upon curing and cooling to room temperature. The cavity is filled with foam to make the final structure.