Abstract: A composite reinforcement structure including a first skin having a first end and a second end and a second skin having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first skin and the first end of the second skin are coupled. A corrugated spar is disposed between the first skin and the second skin and is bonded to the first skin and the second skin.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for making reinforcement structures are provided. In one example, an apparatus for making a reinforcement structure includes a rigid mandrel and a flexible bladder. The flexible bladder at least partially surrounds the rigid mandrel for supporting a reinforcement structure-forming material during fabrication of the reinforcement structure. The flexible bladder is configured to apply a force to the reinforcement structure-forming material in a direction opposite the rigid mandrel in response to a pressure differential between inside and outside of the flexible bladder.

Abstract: Stiffening structures, wing structures and methods for manufacturing stiffening structures are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a stiffening structure includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, and a first rib that extends from the first longitudinal member to the second longitudinal member and is integral with the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member. The first longitudinal member has a first wall, a second wall and a joining wall that joins the first wall and second wall. The first wall, the second wall and the joining wall form a space having a trapezoidal shape.

Abstract: A composite reinforcement structure including a first skin having a first end and a second end and a second skin having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first skin and the first end of the second skin are coupled. A corrugated spar is disposed between the first skin and the second skin and is bonded to the first skin and the second skin.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a reinforced composite structure for an aircraft and devices used in such methods are provided. A device includes a base, a first support member fixedly attached to the base, and a second support member fixedly attached to the base and aligned longitudinally with the first support member. The first support member and the second support member are spaced a first distance apart. Two pinching wheels are spaced a second distance apart. The two pinching wheels are positioned proximate to ends of the first support member and the second support member. The second distance is less than the first distance. The two pinching wheels are configured to receive a composite material layout between them and to cause two lengths of the composite material layout to contact each other.

Abstract: Trailing edge components of aircraft structures, aircraft structures comprising such trialing edge components, and methods of manufacturing such trailing edge components are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a trailing edge component includes a first skin comprising a first plurality of plies of carbon fiber reinforced polymer material and having a first mating region. The first plurality of plies includes a first ply with a first drop-off edge in the first mating region. A second skin includes a second plurality of plies of carbon fiber reinforced polymer material and having a second mating region affixed to the first mating region.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a reinforced composite structure for an aircraft and devices used in such methods are provided. A device includes a base, a first support member fixedly attached to the base, and a second support member fixedly attached to the base and aligned longitudinally with the first support member. The first support member and the second support member are spaced a first distance apart. Two pinching wheels are spaced a second distance apart. The two pinching wheels are positioned proximate to ends of the first support member and the second support member. The second distance is less than the first distance. The two pinching wheels are configured to receive a composite material layout between them and to cause two lengths of the composite material layout to contact each other.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for making reinforcement structures are provided. In one example, an apparatus for making a reinforcement structure includes a rigid mandrel and a flexible bladder. The flexible bladder at least partially surrounds the rigid mandrel for supporting a reinforcement structure-forming material during fabrication of the reinforcement structure. The flexible bladder is configured to apply a force to the reinforcement structure-forming material in a direction opposite the rigid mandrel in response to a pressure differential between inside and outside of the flexible bladder.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a reinforced composite structure for an aircraft and devices used in such methods are provided. A method includes advancing a composite material layout through a cap-forming device. The advancing results in a preformed cap section, a first length of the layout and a second length of the layout. The layout is removed from the cap-forming device and the preformed cap section of the layout is arranged within a cavity of a flexible mandrel with a foot portion of the first length and a foot portion of the second length remaining outside the cavity of the flexible mandrel. The foot portion of the first length and the foot portion of the second length contact a skin structure. The layout is heated and pressurized using the flexible mandrel to cure the layout and form the reinforced composite structure affixed to the skin structure.

Abstract: Stiffening structures, wing structures and methods for manufacturing stiffening structures are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a stiffening structure includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, and a first rib that extends from the first longitudinal member to the second longitudinal member and is integral with the first longitudinal member and the second longitudinal member. The first longitudinal member has a first wall, a second wall and a joining wall that joins the first wall and second wall. The first wall, the second wall and the joining wall form a space having a trapezoidal shape.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing a reinforced composite structure for an aircraft and devices used in such methods are provided. A method includes advancing a composite material layout through a cap-forming device. The advancing results in a preformed cap section, a first length of the layout and a second length of the layout. The layout is removed from the cap-forming device and the preformed cap section of the layout is arranged within a cavity of a flexible mandrel with a foot portion of the first length and a foot portion of the second length remaining outside the cavity of the flexible mandrel. The foot portion of the first length and the foot portion of the second length contact a skin structure. The layout is heated and pressurized using the flexible mandrel to cure the layout and form the reinforced composite structure affixed to the skin structure.