Repair method for uniformly heating composite structure
US6270603A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 6, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 7, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 6, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29C2035/0211
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
We control the cure temperature within .+-.15.degree. F. (8.degree. C.) for organic resin matrix composites with a thermal diffusion apparatus which contains a liquid fluid transfer medium to convey heat from an immersed resistance heater to the repair site. Uniform heating of the repair site occurs despite differences in the underlying structure of the repair site, such as the location of underlying spars or other structural features or variations in the skin thickness, because of natural convection within the heat transfer fluid. The fluid transfer medium preferably is a solid, at ambient temperature, but melts at a relatively low, elevated temperature below the cure temperature. We achieve uniform heating that is necessary for suitable repairs to temperatures of at least about 350.degree. F. (177.degree. C.) and simplify monitoring of the repair site temperatures because of the uniform heating we naturally achieve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.