Process of manufacturing composite panels with U-shaped stiffening members

A process for manufacturing panels (9) for aeronautical structures with U-shaped stiffening members (13) and I-shaped stiffening members (17) between their webs, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

• a) Providing a preimpregnated composite laminate for shaping the skin (11) of the panel (9) on the curing tool (31);
• b) Providing planar preimpregnated composite laminates (23) for shaping the U-shaped stiffening members (13) and I-shaped stiffening members (17), respectively;
• c) Shaping the U-shaped stiffening members (13) from the planar laminates (23) on individual shaping tools (33) and placing I-shaped stiffening elements (17) in the housings provided in said tools;
• d) Grouping said individual shaping tools (33) together on an assembly tool (41);
• e) Placing the group of stiffening members (13, 17) on the skin (11), turning the assembly tool (41) 180° and positioning it thereupon;
• f) Removing the assembly tool (41) once the stiffening members (13, 17) have been joined to the skin (11);
• g) Placing a vacuum bag (55) on the assembly of the skin (11) and stiffening members (13, 17), fitting it as much as possible to the contour of the stiffening members by means of profiles (59);
• h) Consolidating said assembly by means of a curing process under suitable pressure and temperature conditions using external tools (60) to assure verticality of the webs of the stiffening members (13, 17).