Methods, systems, and header structures for tooling fixture and post-cure fixture calibration

A method of tooling fixture calibration for determining deviation introduced into a panel during manufacturing, wherein the panel comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, the method comprising:

• performing a first scan to create a first three-dimensional (3D) surface scan of the inner surface of the panel while the panel is secured to a tooling fixture, wherein the tooling fixture is configured to support the panel during forming of the panel such that the outer surface of the panel faces the tooling fixture;
• removing the panel from the tooling fixture, wherein the removing the panel is performed after the performing the first scan;
• securing the panel to a header structure configured to hold the panel at a nominal configuration, thereby holding the panel at the nominal configuration, wherein the nominal configuration corresponds to a size and shape of the panel, as-designed;
• performing a second scan to create a second 3D surface scan of the inner surface of the panel while the panel is held at the nominal configuration by the header structure;
• and
• determining a deformation function corresponding to deviation between the first 3D surface scan and the second 3D surface scan.