Methods for making composite structures having composite-to-metal joints

A process for bonding a metal skin, without using a splice plate, to a composite skin, the composite skin comprising a first composite laminate and a second composite laminate, each composite laminate comprising a respective fiber comprising graphite;

• the process comprising:
• bonding the first composite laminate to a first end of a stack, the stack comprising metal sheets, and bonding the second composite laminate to a second end of the stack;
• forming the stack to a shape;
• connecting the first composite laminate to a top side of a frame of a structure;
• and
• connecting the second composite laminate to a bottom side of the frame of the structure the stack comprising an outer sheet and an anti-icing process selected from at least one of:
• integrating a conductive section comprising a ductless heating element into at least one metal sheet in the stack, providing electromagnetic energy to the conductive section, the conductive section receiving electromagnetic energy and generating a surface temperature in the outer sheet, the surface temperature being sufficient for at least one of:
• preventing adhesion of ice on the outer sheet, and melting ice formed on the outer sheet;
• and
• integrating a duct to the stack via an interior sheet to an inner sheet of the stack, the interior sheet preventing galvanic interaction with the composite laminate;
• receiving a flow of air;
• and directing the air such that a heat from the air holds the outer sheet of the stack at a temperature sufficient for at least one of:
• preventing adhesion of ice on the outer sheet, and melting ice formed on the outer sheet.