US 10,737,986 B2 · Methods for repairing composite cylinders

Abstract

Methods for repairing composite cylindrical components are provided. One exemplary method for repairing a cylindrical component defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction includes removing a damaged region of the cylindrical component. A flange extending from a cylindrical body of the cylindrical component is included in the damaged region. One or more arc segments that extend along the circumferential direction are connected with the existing cylindrical component. At least one of the arc segments includes a prefabricated flange. One or more plies are laid up to connect the arc segments with the existing cylindrical component to repair the damaged region of the cylindrical body and the prefabricated flange formed integrally with one of the arc segments replaces the damaged portion of the flange. Repaired cylindrical components are also provided.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A method for repairing a cylindrical component defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, the cylindrical component having a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion spaced apart from the first attachment portion along the circumferential direction and an arc attachment portion extending along the circumferential direction and connecting the first attachment portion with the second attachment portion, the method comprising:

connecting an arc segment with the cylindrical component, wherein the arc segment extends between a first attachment end and a second attachment end along the circumferential direction, and wherein the first attachment end connects with the first attachment portion of the cylindrical component and the second attachment end connects with the second attachment portion of the cylindrical component;
and
connecting the arc segment with the arc attachment portion of the cylindrical component with one or more plies.

A method for repairing a cylindrical component defining a damaged region prior to being repaired and an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, wherein the cylindrical component comprises a cylindrical body extending along the axial direction and a flange extending from the cylindrical body along the radial direction and disposed about the cylindrical body along the circumferential direction, the method comprising:

removing the damaged region, wherein at least a portion of the flange is disposed within the damaged region;
forming a first attachment portion and a second attachment portion into the cylindrical body of the cylindrical component, the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion each extending along the axial direction and spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction;
connecting an arc segment comprising a prefabricated flange shaped complementary to the flange with the cylindrical component, wherein the arc segment extends between a first attachment end and a second attachment end along the circumferential direction, and wherein the first attachment end connects with the first attachment portion of the cylindrical component and the second attachment end connects with the second attachment portion of the cylindrical component, and wherein when the arc segment is connected with the cylindrical component, the prefabricated flange forms at least a part of the flange;
and
connecting the arc segment and the cylindrical component with one or more plies.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Methods for repairing composite cylinders

Life of this patent

Methods for repairing composite cylinders

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19