Successfully using an alternate heat source for repairing composite structures requires an awareness of thermal dynamics and effective heat transfer management.
Understand the fundamentals of vacuum infusion processing (VIP), including pressure, permeability and race tracking, to prevent issues and produce consistent results.
Consideration of materials, methods and systems explores ways to reduce potential surface porosity, voids, resin-rich areas, bridging and other flaws in composite laminates.
Cause of adhesive bonding inconsistencies or failure may be numerous. According to Louis Dorworth, the following points should be examined to determine the culprit.
Highlights from the Aerospace Defense Manufacturing Conference – AeroDef 2018 include new technologies for tooling, drilling/machining and inspection of advanced composites.
In Part II, guest columnist Lou Dorworth says the wind and auto industries can learn much from the aerospace industry in this composites repair commentary.
As aerospace companies look to increase the scope and quality of repairs, through standardized training and increased automation, their lessons learned (outlined here in Part 1 of a two-part examination) can smooth the repair path for other industries.