abstract |
A rib assembly for an aircraft wing including a rib web having a top and a bottom, the rib web includes a first laminate, a second laminate, and a honeycomb panel having an array of large cells disposed between the first laminate and the second laminate, each cell having a width of at least 1 cm; and a plurality of skin flanges for fixedly attaching the rib web to a skin of the wing, each skin flange has a base member having a first portion and a second portion and a vertical member extending from the base member. The rib assembly overcomes problems associated with conventional rib assemblies that require a large number of fasteners and support components, which limits fuel space in the wing. |