What is aircraft Composite Repair?
Bonded Repair Many composite structures on aircraft consist of thin skins bonded to honeycomb or foam core. These always use bonded repairs, because thin composite laminates do not handle lateral bearing loads well, such as those transmitted by mechanical fasteners in bolted repairs.
Can composites be repaired?
Composite repairs are performed on damaged laminate structures, fibre reinforced composites and other composite materials. The bonded composite repair reduces stresses in the damaged region and prevents cracks from opening or growing.
What is composite patch repair?
Composite patch repair is a recent method of repairing damaged aircraft structural components. The basic principle of the method is to adhesively bond a composite patch over the damaged area in order to restore the load carrying capacity of the structure.
How do you fix composite materials?
The steps involved in composite repair are:
- Detect and assess the damage.
- Identify component.
- Remove Paint.
- Design the repair.
- Obtain materials and tools.
- Remove the damaged area.
- Effect the repair.
- Allow proper curing time.
What is bolted repair?
A typical bolted repair (Fig. 23) consists of an external titanium patch, a center plug in the damaged area and a two-piece internal patch. The internal patch is split into two pieces so that it can be inserted inside the skin. Normal composite drilling and fastener installation procedures are used.
What are the two methods of repairing holes in composite structures?
Currently existing composite repair methods can be grouped into two categories: 1) external doublers and 2) bonded repairs. External doublers involve the bolting or bonding of additional material, such as a pre-cured composite laminate or metal, to cover the damaged area.
What is bonded repair?
Bonded repair of metallic aircraft structure is used to extend the life of flawed or under-designed components at reasonable cost.
What is a scarf repair?
Scarf repairs are the preferred method of repairing composite structures, especially when externally bonded patches can no longer meet the stiffness, strength, and flushness requirements.
What is interim repair?
Interim repair means any improvement not specified in a notice given under s. 84.01 (17) that is needed to remedy unan- ticipated roadway deficiencies. Sample 1.
Can composite airplanes be repaired?
Repairing a composite airplane isn’t always so straightforward. Although damage to the composite exterior is readily apparent, detecting damage beneath it is often difficult. After assessing all the damage, repairing a composite structure usually means greater downtime because of the cure times resins and adhesives require.
What materials can be used for aircraft composite construction?
Aircraft composite construction can be completed using Fiberglass, Kevlar ®, Carbon Fiber and Metal-to-Metal bonding. We are fully capable of repairing aircraft or performing new part fabrication in any of these material mediums.
What is the future of composites in aircraft construction?
In a paper written by the National Institute of Aviation Research, it is projected that the use of composites in aircraft construction will quadruple over the next 20 years. This rapid growth in aerospace composites will not be without problems.
Should you repair or replace your composite structures?
After assessing all the damage, repairing a composite structure usually means greater downtime because of the cure times resins and adhesives require. For example, a builder (certainly not you) accidentally drops a wrench on the wing of a composite airplane.