Abstract: In this study, we investigate the die form of the T-stringer based on the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite material. Two kinds of T-stringers are fabricated by employing the positive and inverted T-shaped die combination form, respectively. The thickness and shape quality of the different T-stringers are investigated through the direct measurements on the parts and careful data analyses. It is revealed that the T-stringers prepared using the positive T-shaped die combination form generally show more uniform thicknesses along both the cross-sectional and the lengthwise directions. The better thickness uniformity is attributed to the intimate contact between the part and the positive T-shaped die combination form. On the other hand, the inverted T-shaped die combination form provides T-shaped truss with lower degrees of springback and torsion deformation, mainly derived from the uniform temperature distribution across the parts during fabrication. The current study emphasizes the importance of the die combination form selection for the preparation of high quality T-stringers.

Key words: composite, T-stringer, die, springback