Methods for manufacturing elongated structural elements of composite material

Abstract

Methods for manufacturing elongated structural elements are provided. Such methods provide composite material having optimal properties such as weight and strength which can be produced at much lower costs compared to conventional methods. Composite materials including such elements are also provided. In addition, commercial products incorporating such structural elements are provided.

1 - 7 . (canceled) 
     
     
         8 . A structural element of composite material elongated in a longitudinal direction, comprising:
 at least one web;   at least one flange lying in a given geometric plane, and   at least one nodal area extending along a junction between the web and the flange;   wherein the structural element forms a longitudinal cavity which extends longitudinally through the nodal area and has a substantially triangular cross section having   a substantially flat first side parallel to the geometrical plane in which the flange lies, and   two other sides converging in a vertex which extends in an end area of the web.   
     
     
         9 . The structural element of  claim 8 , wherein said two other sides are two convex curved sides with convexities facing toward the center of the cavity. 
     
     
         10 . The structural element of  claim 8 , made either through a co-curing process or a co-bonding process. 
     
     
         11 . An aircraft comprising the structural element of  claim 8 .