Abstract: A trussed structure comprising a frame and at least one strut, wherein the frame is of composite material and includes sockets which are integral with the frame. The invention also provides a process of making the trussed structures. The struts are typically of composite material and the trussed structures of the invention are particularly suitable for use in aircraft, for example, as wing ribs or floor beams.

Abstract: A structure comprising a composite laminate having an edge; and an impact indicator which is carried by the edge and comprises a resin which fractures upon impact. The fracture provides permanent visible evidence of impact damage, for instance by cracking or by one or more pieces breaking off from the impact indicator. As well as providing such visible evidence of impact damage, the impact indicator may also provide an element of impact protection. Typically the impact indicator is formed from a resin which is more brittle and less strong than the material forming the composite laminate. For instance the material forming the composite laminate may be reinforced, and the resin forming the impact indicator may be un-reinforced.

Abstract: A structure comprising a composite laminate having an edge; and an impact indicator which is carried by the edge and comprises a resin which fractures upon impact. The fracture provides permanent visible evidence of impact damage, for instance by cracking or by one or more pieces breaking off from the impact indicator. As well as providing such visible evidence of impact damage, the impact indicator may also provide an element of impact protection. Typically the impact indicator is formed from a resin which is more brittle and less strong than the material forming the composite laminate. For instance the material forming the composite laminate may be reinforced, and the resin forming the impact indicator may be un-reinforced.

Abstract: A method of forming a piece from a composite material is disclosed in which a mandrel is used that reduces relative movement between the mandrel and the piece during the curing process.

Abstract: Structural stiffening 14, a stiffened structure 10 and apparatus 37 and method for forming the structural stiffening 14. The structural stiffening 14 is formed using first and second forming means adapted to respectively receive first and second sheets of material 39 and form an upstanding portion 30 in each of said sheets, feed means adapted to feed a filler material 24 between said upstanding portions 30, and fixing means 50 adapted to fix said upstanding portions 30 to said filler material 24. The structural stiffening may be attached to a structure to be stiffened 12 to form a stiffened structure 10.

Abstract: The invention provides a trussed structure comprising a frame and at least one strut, wherein the frame is of composite material and includes sockets which are integral with the frame. The invention also provides a process of making the trussed structures. The struts are typically of composite material and the trussed structures of the invention are particularly suitable for use in aircraft, for example, as wing ribs or floor beams.

Abstract: A method of forming a piece from a composite material is disclosed in which a mandrel is used that reduces relative movement between the mandrel and the piece during the curing process.

Abstract: This invention relates to components joined together using structural joints and more particularly to brackets used for securing components together in such joints, the brackets being made from a single cut out shape from a sheet of composite material, having at least one fold line defining first and second regions of the bracket, about which the material has been bent to form a three-dimensional shape and a method for making such a bracket.

Abstract: Structural stiffening 14, a stiffened structure 10 and apparatus 37 and method for forming the structural stiffening 14. The structural stiffening 14 is formed using first and second forming means adapted to respectively receive first and second sheets of material 39 and form an upstanding portion 30 in each of said sheets, feed means adapted to feed a filler material 24 between said upstanding portions 30, and fixing means 50 adapted to fix said upstanding portions 30 to said filler material 24. The structural stiffening may be attached to a structure to be stiffened 12 to form a stiffened structure 10.

Abstract: The machine comprises a forming station 18 for receiving a piece of fabric 28 which is shaped at the forming station by a cutter 26. A plurality of lay up stations 40, 42 is provided and a roller 48 is used to carry the shaped fabric 28a from the forming station 18 to one or other of the lay-up stations 40,42. The roller 48 lays the shaped fabric in position at the lay-up station to form part of a laminate at that station. The process is repeated to produce a laminate at the remaining lay-up station. A pick-up device 34 is provided for picking up scrap material left as a peripheral band 36 around the shaped fabric 28a.