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AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsPatrice Ackerman, Steven Blanchard, Daniel Kovach
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A method for reestablishing the electrical continuity of an electrically conductive layer of a composite aircraft wing damaged by a lightning strike or other mechanical event is disclosed in which a copper patch replaced the damaged section of the electrically conductive layer contained. The repair is performed by first removing any surfacers, fasteners, and damaged electrically conductive layer to expose a portion of the underlying composite skin. A copper patch having a copper foil section coupled to an unsupported film adhesive is then introduced onto an underlying composite skin opening contained within an undamaged section of a copper foil grid and covered with resin-impregnated fiberglass material. The film adhesive and resin-impregnated fiberglass material are then cured and fasteners are then reinserted within the fiberglass material, copper patch and underlying composite skin. The surface of the composite wing is then reprimed and repainted to complete the repair.
A method for reestablishing the reduced impedance of an electrically conductive layer contained on a composite wing for a commercial aircraft, the electrically conductive layer including a copper foil grid and at least one associated fastener, the electrically conductive layer being damaged during a lightning strike or by other mechanical incidence such that the impedance of the electrically conductive layer is elevated, the method comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.