T-shaped stringer with a rounded web end and method of manufacturing it

A method of manufacturing T-shaped stringers made of composite material, comprising:

• a first tape laying step for laying tape on two planar laminates;
• a second shaping step for shaping the planar laminates into two L-shaped preforms;
• and,
• a third step in which the two preforms are attached to one another and cured to obtain the T-shaped stringer;
• the second step comprising:
• providing a set of tools formed by a fixed tool comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, and a moveable tool comprising a lower element and an upper element, the fixed tool and the moveable tool being arranged at a pre-determined distance from one another;
• arranging each planar laminate in the set of tools such that the segment of the laminate intended for the foot of the L-shaped preform is arranged between the lower portion and the upper portion of the fixed tool and the segment of the laminate intended for the web of the L-shaped preform is arranged between the lower element and the upper element of the moveable tool;
• and,
• vertically moving the moveable tool at a pre-determined speed to progressively bend the web of the preform, supporting it on a vertical wall of the fixed tool,
• such that the end of its web adopts a rounded shape.