FLEXIBLE MANDREL FOR HIGHLY CONTOURED COMPOSITE STRINGER AND METHOD OF PRODUCING SAID STRINGER

摘要

An aircraft stringer lay-up assembly (10) is provided comprising a contoured curing block and a first mandrel element (12) positioned thereon. The first mandrel assembly includes a first bar assembly (16) having a plurality of rigidity reducing first slots (18) formed along a first mandrel length. The plurality of rigidity reducing first slots protruding partially through a first mandrel depth of the first mandrel element to allow the first bar assembly to conform to the contoured curing block. A composite ply assembly is laid up onto the first mandrel element and cured while conformed to said contoured curing block such that a contoured composite stringer element is generated.