Method for manufacturing carbon fiber panels stiffened with omega stringers

A method for manufacturing carbon fiber panels stiffened with omega stringers comprising:

• providing at least one omega stringer in a cured or un-cured state;
• providing at least one tubular pressure member manufactured with a cross-sectional shape of a channel defined by an omega stringer, and having at least the same length as the omega stringer;
• placing the tubular pressure member inside the channel of the omega stringer without use of a rigid support core;
• inserting a tubular vacuum bag inside the tubular pressure member;
• bringing in contact a laminate of uncured carbon fiber plies with the omega stringer, such that the tubular pressure element is enclosed by the laminate and the omega stringer;
• and
• applying autoclave pressure to an interior of the tubular vacuum bag such that the tubular vacuum bag forces the tubular pressure member to expand and exert pressure against part of the omega stringer and part of the laminate,
• wherein the tubular pressure member is a self-supporting body,
• wherein the tubular pressure member is made of an elastomeric material having an outer surface covered by a layer of release film material adhered to the outer surface, and
• wherein the layer of release film and a layer of composite material are joined to the elastomeric material during vulcanization of the elastomeric material.