| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 ASC Technical Conference, US-Japan Joint Symposium, D30 Meeting
|
| Symposium
|
2024 ASC Technical Conference, US-Japan Joint Symposium, D30 Meeting
|
| Presentation Title |
Advanced Single Vacuum Bag Process for Efficient On-Aircraft Composite Repair |
| Author(s) |
Jack Gulley, Jianhua Huang, Bryan Koene, Christopher Rethmel, Robert Thompson |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jack Gulley |
| Abstract Scope |
The US Navy currently utilizes a Double Vacuum Debulk (DVD) process to repair damaged graphite/epoxy and fiberglass/epoxy composite aircraft components. This process is performed by impregnating dry fabric with resin, manually laying up the plies, and debulking utilizing DVD process tooling support equipment. The debulked ply stack is then placed on the repair area and cured. This process is time consuming, costly, size limited, and creates logistical challenges when repairs are needed on aircraft in small detachments.
In collaboration with NAVAIR and Navy Fleet Readiness Center East, Luna Labs USA has developed an efficient, out of autoclave structural composite repair process utilizing single vacuum bag procedures with a Breathable Resin Barrier (BRB). The BRB has good air permeability for void reduction yet prevents resin from penetrating into airflow pathways. High quality prepreg or wet layup repair patches can be fabricated with less than 4% void content with no size restrictions utilizing a single vacuum bag, eliminating the need for autoclave or DVD process tooling. This paper will outline the key components of this innovative process for efficient composite repair, as well as our team’s efforts to transition the repair process for Navy, fleet and commercial application use. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Definite: Post-meeting proceedings |