Abstract: To improve imaging characteristics of a composite item fabricated from a layup of composite material, layers of sheet molding materials are interleaved with layers of organized fiber structure prepreg to generate the layup and the layup is positioned in a mold cavity of a matched die form. In addition, a first form of the matched die form is urged towards a second form of the matched die form to facilitate flow of a portion of the layup from an area of excess composite material in the mold cavity to an area of insufficient composite material in the mold cavity and the layup is cured to generate the composite item.

Abstract: Stiffened structures and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an elongated metallic stiffening member can be attached to a composite sheet and positioned to resist bending of the composite sheet. In another embodiment, a structural system can include an elongated composite element attached between a composite sheet and a metallic stiffening member. In still another embodiment, the structural system is formed without attaching a honeycomb stiffening arrangement.