Curved composite frames and method of making the same

摘要

A curved composite aircraft frame comprises a multi-ply composite laminate having a generally Z-shaped cross section. At least certain of the laminate plies include unidirectional reinforcing fibers that are substantially tangent at substantially all points along the curvature of the frame.

主权项

1. A curved aircraft frame comprising a composite laminate comprising multiple plies that form a web and an outer chord such that:
the outer chord comprises a first tailored axial modulus and a cutout through which a stringer may extend; at least one laminate ply in the multiple plies comprises continuous reinforcing fibers configured to extend an entire length of the curved aircraft frame substantially tangent to a hoop direction of the curved aircraft frame at substantially all points along a curvature of the curved aircraft frame; a gauge of the outer chord comprises a first quantity of plies; a first section of the web comprises a second tailored axial modulus and a first gauge of the web comprising a second quantity of plies; a second section of the web comprises a third tailored axial modulus and a second gauge of the web comprising a third quantity of plies; the first quantity of plies varies from the second quantity of plies and the third quantity of plies via at least one tow in at least one ply layer comprising a drop; the second quantity of plies exceeds the third quantity of plies; and the first tailored axial modulus, the second tailored axial modulus, and the third tailored axial modulus each differ with respect to each based upon a desired compression loading, radial stiffness, and shear load transfer capability desired for each of the outer chord, the first section of the web, and the second section of the web, such that at least one laminate ply in the multiple plies comprises substantially evenly displaced discontinuities.