U! cu») United States cz) Patent Application Publication co pu YADAV et al. (54). STIFFENER FOR AN AIRCRAFT ASSEMBLY (71) Applicants: Airbus Operations GmbH, Hamburg (DE); Airbus SAS, Blagnae (FR) (72) Inventors: Avnlash Kumar YADAV, Bristol (GB); Vinayak: RAMACHANDRA PATIL, Bristol (GB); Sven Hardy WERNER, Bristol (GB) 21) Appl. Now 16/227,898 (22) Filed: Dee. 20, 2018 G0) Foreign Application Priority Data Dee. 21,2017 (IN) 201741046087 S 201901938301 No.: US 2019/0193830 Al (43) Pub. Date: Jun, 27, 2019 Publication Classification GI) Ime, BaiC 106 S.C. (2006.01) 2) B64C 1061 (2013.01); B64C 2001/0072 (2013.01), B6sC 106s (201301) on ABSTRACT A stflener for an sireaft assembly is disclosed, The stifener provides structural stability to the aieraft assembly. The stiffener has a ist stiffener part having a planar web portion ‘and a second stiffener part arranged with the first stiffener part, The second stiffener part inchides » comugated web Portion having a comigation, The present application also relates fo an aircraft assembly a fuselage for an aircraft, an sireraft and a method of forming a assembly. stiller for an aircratPatent Application Publication Jun. 27,2019 Sheet 1 of 5 US 2019/0193830 ALPatent Application Publication Jun. 27,2019 Sheet 2 of 5 US 2019/0193830 AlPatent Application Publi tion Jun. 27, 2019 Sheet 3 of 5 US 2019/0193830 AIPatent Application Publication Jun. 27,2019 Sheet 4 of 5 US 2019/0193830 A1Patent Application Publication Jun. 27,2019 Sheet Sof 5 US 2019/0193830 Al FIG. 12a FIG. 12dUS 2019/0193830 Al STIFFENER FOR AN AIRCRAFT As FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a stillener to an sirera assembly. In particular, the peesent invention relates to a silfener for providing structural stability to an aircraft assembly The present invention also relates to an aircraft assembly, a fuselage foran aircraft an aircraft and a method ‘of foming 2 siffener for an aircraft assembly. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Fuselage structures for an aircraft comprise a panel, acting as fuselage skin, stringers extending longi- ‘udinally along the fuselage and silfeners or frames extend- ing perpendicular tothe siringers. The stringers and siffen- ‘ers are fixed to the skin to provide siruetural support, The frames are typically C-shape, L-shape or Z-shape hoop profiles. 10003] Thestiffners are typically ether integral sitfeners ‘or frames; that is the frames are fixed 10 the skin, oF ‘differential stiffeners or frames; that i the frames are fixed fina spaced relationship tothe skin, With diferent frames, ‘lips moat the frames to the skin between stringers, Cleats are used to connect the frames tothe stringers, in particular to prevent the frames from bowing, by lateraltorsional being, when they are mechanically stressed. With integral frames, the frames are directly fixed to the skin, with ‘openings formed in the frames to reosive stringers there through. Stailisers are provided atthe openings to provide lateral stability. [0004] The use of numerous parts including clips, cleats ‘and stabilisers leads to a complex ass ‘complexity oftheir form involve sigil bling the numerous clips, cleats and stabilisers is a complex ‘and Gime consuming process. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stiffener for an inert assembly, the stiffener comprising irs stiflener part having a plane web portion which is planar ina longitudinal direction along the first stiffener part and a second stiffener part arranged with the first stifener part wherein the second silfener part ‘comprises a corrugated web portion having a comugation, 0006) Beneficially, stability in the normal direction; that fs along a longitdinal axis ofthe stiffener, is provided by the planar web portion, and further stability is provided in ‘another direction by the corrugated web portion. With this, arrangement, tillvess of the stiffener is provided in the rormal, lateral and transverse digestions is provided and as such the nood for auxiliary eips, cleats, and stabilisers is minimised or removed. Furhennore, the weight of the stiffener assembly fora desined stifiness may be minimised. [0007] The corrugation may extend transverse toa longi- tudinal axis of the planar web portion, As sue, further lateral stability i provided [0008] The stiffener may comprise a plurality of comgae tions spaced apart along the longitudinal length ofthe web. [0009] With this arangement, a desired stiffness may be provides along the length of the web. The complexity of ‘manufacturing the sifener may be minimised Jun. 27, 2019 [0010] The stiffener may comprise a core disposed in the ‘comigation between the planar web portion and the corrt- tated web portion, [0011] Beneficially, the core provides added stability to the stiffener. [0012] The core may be sandwiched between the planar web portion and the corrugated web portion [013] The core may comprise a polymer block. Option- ally, the block comprises Nomex. Optionally, the block is Tormed fom one or more of PVC foam, and Polyurethane foam, [0014] The core may comprise a column, [0018] The planar web portion and corrugated web portion may form a web, and the stiffener may comprise @ foot extending from the web, [0016] The core may extend from the foot 1 free end of | the stiffener [0017] At lest one of the fst stlener part and second stiffener part may overlap the core atthe free end [0018] “The stiffener may comprise a prepreg. layer between the planar web portion and the corugated web portion, [0010] ‘The frst stiffener part may have at least one of a (C-shape, L-shape and Z-shape profile, The second stiffener part may have at least one of a C-shape, L-shape and Zeshape profile, The stiffener may have at least one of a shape, L-shape, Eshope, Z-shape and J-shape profile. [0020] ‘The stiffener may comprise an opening configured to receive a singer between the or each pair of eorrugs- [021] According t0 an aspeet of the present invention, there is provided a stiffener for an sireaftsssembly com prising sifener part having a planar web portion which is planar ina longitudinal direction along the fis stiflener part and foot; and a block extending transverse to the longi ‘inal direction of the stiffener part between the foot and fire end. [0022] The stiffener may be a fame for a fuselage of an aircral [023] According to an aspeet of the present invention, there i provided an aircraft assembly comprising 2 panel, a stringer and a stiffener as set out above. 024} The stringer may be configured to extend throwgh the sifener, and the stiffener may be configured to mount t0 the panel [0025] The stringer may be configured to be disposed ‘between the stiffener and the panel, and the stiffener may be configured to mount to the stringer [0026] The aircraft assembly may comprise « stabiliser ‘onfgared to mount between the panel and the stiffen. [0027] According to an aspeet of the present invention, there is provided an sireraft fuselage comprising the stiffener as st ut above, [028] According wo an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aireaft fuselage comprising the aneraft assembly a set out above. 0029] "According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided method of forming 2 stiffener for an aircraft assembly, the method comprising: holding a fist silfenee part having a planar web portion Whieh is planar ia longitudinal direction of the first stiffener part; holding a second stllener part having a comugated web portionUS 2019/0193830 Al ng a corrugation; disposing a core inthe corrugation; iviching the core between the fist stiflener part and the second stiffener par 10030] "According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stiffener for an aircraft assembly, the stilfence comprising: fist stiflener part having a planar weh Portion: and a second stilfener part arminged with the fst slffener part BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 10031] Fmbodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 10032] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an sireraft having @ fselage structure; 10033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showi ‘configuration of portion ofa fuselage structure; 10034) FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the known ‘configuration of the portion of the fselage structure of FIG. 2: [0035] FIG. 4 is @ perspective view showing another known configuration of @ portion of a fuselage stractar; 10036] FIG. 5 is a front view showing another known ‘configuration of a portion ofthe fuselage structures [0037] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of @ fuselage structure avcording to the present invention; [0038] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a stiffener ofthe fuselage support shown in FIG. 6, through aa ‘expanded region: 10039] FIG. 8 isa cross-sectional perspective view of an altemative stiffener, through an expanded region: [0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an altemative ‘rangement ofa portion of fuselage structure according 10 the present invention; [0041] FIG. 10:8 a perspective view of the armngement of the portion of the fuselage streture shown in FIG. 9; [0042] FIG. 1 isa perspective view of the arrangement of the portion ofthe fuselage structure shown in FIG. 10; and [0043] FIGS. 120-12d show the method of forming @ stiffener ofa fuselage support for an aircraft, kaos DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) 0048) An sireraft 10 js shown in FIG. 1. The airraft 10 fnchides a fuselage H. Two wings 12 extend from the fiselage 11. Ie will be appreciated thatthe fuselage 11 and wings 12 may take a variety of different plan formed shapes and. profiles depending on the particular application, The fuselage H1 defines a Jongitdinal axis 13. The longitudinal axis 13 extends from a forward end I wo a rearward end I. Exch wing 12 comprises a wing box. The wing box forms the main body of the wing 12. [0045] Inde following description, the term “Iron” refers to components towards the Teading ede ofthe wing, and the term “rea” refers to components towards the tailing edge of the wing. The terms “forward” and “rearward” shall be ‘construed accordingly. The position of features may be ‘construed relative t0 other components for example a for. ‘ward component may be disposed on a forwanl side of other component, but towards the ear of the wing. [0046] |The fuselage 11 comprises a fselage structure 20 The fuselage structure 20 is generally tubular. The fuselage Jun. 27, 2019 imdinal axis 13, The from a plurality of structure 20 extends along. the lon fiselage structure 20 may be form assembly sections [047] Referring to FIGS. 2to 4, known arrangements of | ‘fuselage stricture is shown, FIGS, 2 and 3 show a knowa anangement of a fuselage structure known as an integral ‘ame configuration, and FIGS. 4 and § show another know arrangement ofa fuselage structure known as a differential frame configuration. 0048] The fuselage structure 20 comprises » pane! 24 The paiel 21 gets a fuselage skin. The panel 21 is arcuate, The pane! 21 us an outer side 22 and an inner side 23. The pancl 21 is formed from @ composite material, a metalic ‘material ora combination thereof. The fuselage structure 20 comprises stringers 30 and slfeners, also known as frames, 40, The stifencrs 40 extend perpendicular to the stringers 30. The stringers 30 and stiffeners 40 are fxed tothe skin to provide structural support [0049] Stringers 30 extend along the inner side 23 of the ‘panel 21. The stingers 30 extend longitudinally along the fiselage IL. The stringers 30 are elongate members. The stringers 30, as shown in FIGS, 2 and 3, have a U-shape profile. Such a profile is known as a “top-hat” stringer Anrangement. The stringers 30 each have atleast one stringer Toot 1. The or each stringer foot 31 mounts to the panel 21 In FIGS. 2 and 3, exch stringer 30 has to stringer feet 1. In FIGS. 4 and §, each stringer hus one stringer foot 31. The stringers 30 each have an upstanding portion 32 protruding Irom the panel 21. The upstanding portion 32 is formed by at least one stringer web 33 extending feom the at least one stringer foot 31. Pach stringer 30 has ovo stringer webs 33 with a flange 34 at a free end. The flange extends berween the stinger webs 33. The stringers 30 have extended flange portions 38. The extendad flange portions 3§ extend per- pendcular to dhe longitudinal axis of the sringer 30. The extended flange portions 38 extend from the stringer feet 31 In FIGS. 2 and 3, the stiffeners 40 locate on the extended Flange portions 38. The extended flange portions 38 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of exch stifener 40. [0050] The sitfeners 40, also known as frames, extend on the inner side 23 of the panel 21. The sllfeners 40 are indiretly mounted to the panel 21, The stiffeners 49 mount tothe stringers 30, The stiffeners 40 extend perpendiculie to the longitudinal axis of the fuselage I. The stiffeners 40 extend in a hoop-wise arringement. As such, the sifeners [0051] In FIGS. 2 and 3, the integral frame configuration is shown, The stiffeners 40 are fixed, for example by bolting for bonding to the pancl 21. The sifencrs 40, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, have a C-shape profile, The stilfener 4 has fa sillener foot 41, a stiffener web 42 and a sllfener Bange 443, Openings 44 see formed through the sifleners 40, The ‘openings 44 extend from the lower end of the silener 40, ‘and are known 9 "mouse holes", The openings 44 separate the sillener foot 4 into plurality ofsilfeaer foot portions 45. The openings 44 are spaced apart along the longitudinal length of the stiffener 40, The spacing of the openings 44 corresponds to the spscing ofthe stringers 30 on the panel 21, When assembled, the stringers 30 are received in the ‘openings 44, The eb foot 41 mounts to the panel 21. The rib fot 41 mounts to the panel 21 vie the extended Bange portions 38. [0052] Stabilisees $0 extend fiom the panel 21 to the silfener 40, The stabilisers 50 extend at an arcuate angleUS 2019/0193830 Al berween the singer foot 3 and or inner side 28 ofthe panel 21, andthe silence wed 42. The suabilser $0 provide Jacl stability wo the silleners 40 10083] In FIGS. 4 and 5 the difercitilframe configura ion s shown, The tifeners 4 are sped fom the pane 21 by the stringers 30. Tati the sifeners 40 are disposed at ‘an opposing end ofthe stinger webs 33, Bach stilener 40, a shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, hive a Z-shape profile. The silfeners 4 are fixed, for example by bolting or bonding ro ft lest one of the stringer anges 3M and lis I. The clips $1 mount the stitfners 4 othe pane! 21 Cleats 82 extend between the panel 21 and the silence 40, The cleats 82 provide ltr stability tthe slfeners 40. Ove clip and one ‘lati disposed between a pir of adjacent stringers 30. In the present erangement the one clip Stand elet 82 in each ap between te ajc! singers 0 are integrally forme Jel be understood that the cips 81 and lets $2 may be separably formed. Each lp extends substantially across the gap between the adjacent stingers 30 {084} In the arzangement shown in FIG. 4, the stiffeners 40 shut the stinger anaes 34. In the rangement shown a FIG. 8, the stifles 40 are spaced fom the stinger. {0085} As shown in FIGS. 6 0 11 embodiments of the present invention will now be deseribe. The arrangement of the panel 21 and stingers 30 is generally the same a8 desetibed above with reterence (@ FIGS. 210 8 and so @ ‘etd desription will be omitted. However, the extended ‘lange portions are omitted. In an alerative embodiment, ‘extended Mange potions ae preset. ln the embodies of the present invention, the configuration of the stifenes is Aifeeat. The stilfenes according 10 the enbodiments ‘eserbed herein have a self-supporting arrangement. The panel 21 and stilleners 70 are formed Iron plies of come Pesite materi although the make-up and materials ofthe Poel sind silleners may die {0056} InF1G.6, 0 integral frame configurations shown, “The fiselge structure 20 comprises the panel 21 and the stringers 30 substantially a8 described above. However, the Tisclage structure 20s shown with Tshape profile stringers 30 having the singer feet 31 extending fom each sie of ihe stringer web 33. Iwill be understand that the configs ration ofthe ringers 30 may vay. Different configurations ‘fstringers may be disposed onthe panel 21 Alternately, for example, the stingers may have a Tshape, U-Shape, “Zeshape, shape or lsbape pile {0087} "In FIG. 6, one stiller, o fame, 70 is shown. 1 ‘vill bs understood thatthe mamberof stiffeners 70 may ary The silfners 70 extend perpendicular to the stringers 30. Adjccntstifeners 70 are spaced apart from one anatice Thesttener 70 has aJshape profile. The spe of the fa say vary. The silleers 70 may have fo example, shape [shape or Zshape profile. The silfeners 70 extend on the inner side 23 ofthe panel 21. The stifeners 70 are dicecly mounted the panel 21 and the stingers 30. The silfeners 10 catend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fuselage I The stffences 70 extend ina hoop-wiseaeange- ment As sich the stiffeners are arcate. The stiffoners 70 ane formed fom plies of composite material, although the makeup and materials of the stillenes may dill [0088] "The stfeners 70 are fixed, for example by bolting ‘or bonding tothe panel 21. The stoner 70 has a sifener {ot 7t extending frm each side ofa tener web 72. nthe present embodiment, cach stllence fet 71 are fixed dicey to the inner side 23 of the panel 21, In an alterative Jun. 27, 2019 embodiment with extended flange portions extending fr the stringers 30, the stillener fet 71a fixed tothe panel vi the stringers 30, A siflener Nange 73 is atthe free end ofthe silfener web 72, spaced from the stilfener foot 71. The stiffener ange 78 extends perpendicularly fom the stiffener Web 72, The sillener feet 71 und sillener Mange 73 extend perpendicular to the stiffence web 72, The arrangement may ‘ler. For example, with a C-shape or Z-Shape profil, each stiffener 70 has the stiffener fot 71 extending from one side of the stifener web 72 only. [0059] Openings 74 are formed through the sifeners 70, ‘The openings 74 extend from the lower end of the stiffener 70, and are Known as “mouse holes. The openings 74 separate the stiflencr feet 71 into a pluniity of stiffener foot portions 78. The openings 74 are spaced apart along the Tongitudinal length of the stiffener 70. The spacing of the ‘openings 74 corresponds othe spacing of dhe stringers 30 on the panel 21. When assembled, the stringers 30 are roceived inthe openings 74. The stiffener fect 71 mount to the panel 21. The siffence feet 74 alix to the panel 21 [0060] The stiffeners 70 have expanded portions 76. The expanded portions 76 are spaced along each stiffener 7. ‘Three expanded portions 76 are visible in FIG. 6, however it will be understood that the number and spacing of the ‘expanded portions 76 may differ. The expanded portion 76 protnides fiom an opposing side ofthe sifencr 70 to the stiffener ange 73. The expanded portion 76 is part of a ‘cormigated surface, One expanded portion 76 is disposed between exch adjacent pair of openings 74, The expanded portion 76 extends from the stiffener foot 71 to the free en. [0061] Referring now to FIG. 7, one stiffener 70s shown in crosssoction through the expanded portion 76. The stiffener 70 comprises a frst stiffener part 80 and a second stiflener part 90. The first stiffener part 80 has a C-shape pralle. The firs stilfence par 80 comprises « Toot portion 81, a planar vob porion 82, and a Nange portion 83. The sovond silener part 90 has a Z-shape profile, The second stiffener part 90 comprises a foot portion 91, 8 corigated web portion 92 and ange portion 93, [0062] The planar web portion 82 ofthe frst stiffener part ‘0s planar in the nomml direction: that i inthe direction ofthe longitudinal length ofthe stitfener 70, The planar web portion 82 docs not have any bends of kinks along the Jongitudinal length. The planar web portion 82 provides hoop loading in the sormal dircetion. The frst stiflencr pat ‘oot and flange portions 81, 83 extend parallel to each other The foot portion 81 is formed to correspond to the alignment of the inner side 23 ofthe panel 21 and the stingers 30. [0063] Tae corrugated web portion 99 comprises corru- szaions 94. The corgations 94 form the expanded porto 176, The corrugations 94 extend transverse to the longitudinal axis of the stiffener 70, A Tineae section 98 is disposed between cach pair of comugations 94. The lincar sections 95 ‘re planar The linear sections 98 are conligured wo align with the planar Web portion 82 of the frst stiller part 80. The corrugations 94 are configured to be spaced from the first stiffener part 80, Fach corrugation 94 is generally U-shaped [0064] When te sifener 70 is formed, dhe Tinea sections 98 are aligned with the planar web portion 82 ofthe frst slifener part 80; the web feet 81, 82 extend in opposing Giretions; and the flange portions 83,93 overlap each other. ‘The corugations 94 form a space 97 between the first and second stiffener parts 80, 90, The flange portion arrangement encloses the free end ofthe coerugation 94, Inthe preseUS 2019/0193830 Al ‘arrangement the ange portion 93 ofthe second stiffener part ‘90 encloses the corrugation, In an alternative arrangement, the ange portion 83 ofthe first stiffener part 80 encloses the ‘corrugation, 10065] A core 100 is disposed in each corrugation 94. The ‘core 100 is sandwiched hetwaen the firs nd second stiffener parts 80, 90, The core 100 is formed from a block. In the present embodiments, the core is formed from 2 polymer block, such as Nomex™, Other suitable materials may’ be used, such as PVC foam and Polyurethane foam. The core 190 i formed as 2 column, The core conforms to the shape ‘of the cormigation 94 hy which the core 100 is received, Whea sandvviched between the fst ad second stiffener parts #0, 90, the core 100 extends between the stiffener fest ‘TH and the fee end. The core 100 is enclosed at the five end. “The core 100 is preformed and disposed between the firs, ‘and second stiffener pats 80, 9. Alternatively, the core is Tormed by inserting material into the space between the fist and second stiffener parts 80, 90 and subsequent curing the ‘material. The core 100 fils the spoce, Tae core 100 may be “omitted. 10066} An internal prepreg layer 110 is disposed between the fist silence part 80 and the second stilfener part 9. ‘Comesponding prepreg layers may be disposed slong an nner side of each ofthe first stiffener part 80 and the second stiffener part 90. The core 100 may be disposed! between the prepreg layers. The core 100 lies against the prepees layer 10, 10067] The profile ofthe first and second stiffener parts 8, ‘90 may differ. For example, the frst stiffener part 80 may have an L-shape or Z-shape profile and the second stiffener part 90 may have a C-shape or L-sbape profile. FIG. 8 shows ‘analterative embodiment in which thelist stlfener part 80 has a Z-shape profile and the second stiflener part 90 as & ‘corresponding Z-shape prafle, The foot portion 81 of the fist stiffener part 80 and the foot portion 91 of the second stilfence part 91 overlap to form one silfener foot 71. The flange portion 83 ofthe first stiffener part 80 andthe flange portion 93 of the second stiffener part 91 overlap to form one Silfener flange 73. The core 100 extends between the stiffener foot 71 aad the silfener flange 73 [0068] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, a differential frame ‘configuration is shown. The fuselage stroctare 20 comprises the panel 21 and the stingers 30 substantially as described above. However, the fuselage stricture 20 is shown with 2 reversed U-shape profile stringer arrangement. In this ‘arrangement, the stringer is disposed with the stringer foot 31 disposed on the inner side 23 of the panel, with two ‘ringer webs 33 upstanding from each edge ofthe stringer oot 31 One stringer flange 34 extends fom the free end of ‘each stringer web 33. Extended flange portions 3§ extend fom the stringer flange 34, In this differential frame con- figuration, the stilfeners 70 are disposed on the stringer flanges 34. The stifencrs 70 are disposed om the extended ‘ange portions 35. It will be understood that the eonfigu- ration ofthe stringers 30 may vary Dilleent configurations ‘of stringers may be disposed on the panel 21. Alternatively, for additionally, for example, the stringers may have 3 Teshape, U-Shape, Z-shape, L-shape or Fshape profile 10069] "In FIG. 9, tree stiffeners, or frame, 70s shown, It ‘willbe understood thatthe numberof stiffeners 70 my vary The stifeners 70 extend perpeadicular to the stingers 30 Adjacent stiffeners 70 are spaced apart from one another The stiffener 70 has a Z-shape profile. The shape of the Jun. 27, 2019 ame may vary. The stifeners 70 may have, for example, shape, L-shape or J-shape hoop proile. The stiffeners 70 are directly mounted to the stingers 30, The stiffeners 70 are spaced Irom the inner side 23 ofthe pane] 20 by the stringers 30, The stiffeners 70 extend perpendicular tothe longitu fal axis of the fuselage 11, The stilleners 70 extend in @ hoop-wise arrangement, As such, the siffeners are arcuate ‘The stiffeners 70 are forme from plies of composite mate- rial, although the make-up and materials of the stiffeners say dlr. [0070] The sifancrs 70 are fixed, for example by bolting for bonding to the stringers 30, As shown in FIG. IL Sabilsers 120 extend between the inner side 29 ofthe panel BW and the stringers 30. The stabilisers 120 are disposed at ‘each singer 30, The stabilisers 120 are disposed in pairs at each stringer 30, although the number of stabilises 120 may ler. The stabilisers 120 are mounted to the plane web portion 82 of the fist stiffener part 80. The stabilisers 120 aid the transfer of loading tothe panel 21, and so help t0 ‘minimise the thickness of at least part ofthe stringers 30, for example the stinger Mange [0071] ‘The arangement ofthe stiffener 70 of the diler- ential fame configuration ie generally the same as the fmrangement ofthe stiffener 70 described above with refer ence, in particular. to FIGS. 6 and 8. As such a detailed ‘description will not he repeated. It will be understood that the openings 75 provided for integral frame configuration ‘may be omitted with dllerental frame configurations. la the resent embodiment, each stillene fet Tate fixed directly {o the singer flanges 34 and extended flange portions 38. The extended flange portions 35 may be omited. The stiffener fest 74 af to the stringers 30. [0072] The comugated web portion 90, together with the ore 100, removes the need for clips which attach the stiffeners to the panels. Furthermore, the size, number and ‘weight of any components mounting the stiffeners to the panel 20 in addition to the stringers 30 is significanly ‘ninimised. [0073] The corrugations 94 provide lateral stability: The ore 100 aids the lateral stability. By sandwiching the core 100 between two structural layers itis possible to maximise the lateral stability, The sandwiched arrangement aids the stiffness of the stiffener web 72, By providing corrugations in one pat of the stiffener web 72 and maintaining a planar configuration in anther part, it is possible to provide lateral stability whist retaining hoop loading along the longitudinal length of the stiffener 70, As such, lateral stability is formed as an inherent part ofthe strocture. Such an arrangement removes or limits the need for additonal clips, cleats and stabilisers. [0074] Referring now to FIGS. 12u-12d, the method of | Torming the siflenee 70 will now be described. The method will be described with reference to the stiffener 70 described above with reference to FIGS, 6 and 7, however it will be ‘understood that allemative stiTener embodiments may be formed. twill also be understood thatthe stiffener 70 may be formed hy’ an alterative process. tool 125 is provided to Foem the stiffener 70 The tool 125 comprises male too! 130 and 2 female tool 140, [0075] In FIG. 12a, the male 1001 130 is provided. The ‘male fool 130 is configured to form the profile of the first slilfener part 80, The male tool 180 as the profile ofthe frst stifener part 80. Cul-outs 131 are formed in the tool to define features of the first stiffener part 80, for example the