Method and System for Repairing Cracks in Structures
AssigneesUnited States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and, Space Administration
InventorsStephen W. Smith, John A. Newman, Robert S. Piascik, Edward H. Glaesgen
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Abstract
A first material with a known maximum temperature of operation is coated with a second material on at least one surface of the first material. The coating has a melting temperature that is greater than the maximum temperature of operation of the first material. The coating is heated to its melting temperature until the coating flows into any cracks in the first material's surface.
Claims31
A method of repairing cracks in materials, comprising the steps of
- providing a first material with a known maximum temperature of operation;
- coating at least one surface of said first material with a second material having a melting temperature that is greater than said first material's maximum temperature of operation;
- and
- heating said second material to said melting temperature thereof and until said second material flows, wherein cracks in said at least one surface are at least partially filled with said second material.
A method according to claim I, wherein said second material is a metallic material.
A method of repairing cracks in materials, comprising the steps of:
- providing a first metallic material with a known maximum temperature of operation and a known aging criteria temperature;
- coating at least one surface of said first metallic material with a second metallic material having a melting temperature between said first metallic material's maximum temperature of operation and said first metallic material's aging criteria temperature;
- inspecting said first metallic material for cracks in said at least one surface;
- and
- heating said second metallic material in proximity to at least one of the cracks detected during said step of inspecting, said second metallic material being heated to said melting temperature thereof and until said second metallic material flows into the at least one of the cracks.
A method according to clam 21, wherein said second metallic material comprises an alloy of indium and tin.
A method of repairing cracks in structures, comprising the steps of:
- providing a metallic structure with a known maximum temperature of operation and a known aging criteria temperature;
- providing a metallic coating on at least one surface of said metallic structure, wherein said metallic coating has a melting temperature between said maximum temperature of operation and said aging criteria temperature of said metallic structure;
- inspecting said metallic structure for cracks in said at least one surface thereof;
- and
- heating said metallic coating in proximity to at least one of the cracks detected during said step of inspecting, said metallic coating being heated to said melting temperature thereof and until said metallic coating flows into the at least one of the cracks.
A crack repairable system, comprising:
- a metallic structure with a known maximum temperature of operation;
- and
- a metallic coating on at least one surface of said metallic structure, said metallic coating having a melting temperature greater than said maximum temperature of operation wherein, when cracks are present in said at least one surface, said metallic coating is heated to said melting temperature thereof until said metallic coating flows into the cracks.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.