Structure repair using ferromagnetic induction heating and thermoplastic adhesive

A patch system, the patch system comprising:

• a first layer of a patch comprising a composite material, wherein the first layer comprises an exterior portion of the patch;
• a second layer of the patch comprising a thermoplastic adhesive and a ferromagnetic material, wherein, when a body is being repaired by the patch system, the second layer is placed between the composite material of the first layer and the body;
• wherein the ferromagnetic material of the second layer heats when exposed to an electromagnetic field;
• an induction heating coil that is operable, when the body is being repaired by the patch system, to generate the electromagnetic field at the patch to cause the ferromagnetic material of the second layer to heat the thermoplastic adhesive of the second layer;
• and
• wherein, when the body is being repaired by the patch system, and responsive to the induction heating coil operating to heat the thermoplastic adhesive of the second layer, the thermoplastic adhesive of the second layer at least partially melts between the first layer of the patch and the body and the thermoplastic adhesive of the second layer cures to bond the patch to the body.

A method for repairing a damaged portion of an object, the method comprising:

• with a plug disposed at an attachment surface of the object at or near the damaged portion of the object, applying pressure to urge the plug toward engagement with the attachment surface of the object;
• wherein the attachment surface of the object comprises a composite material, and wherein the plug comprises the composite material;
• with the plug disposed at the attachment surface of the object, and with the plug urged toward engagement with the attachment surface of the object, energizing a ferromagnetic heating element to heat the plug and the attachment surface of the object;
• and
• wherein heating the plug and the attachment surface of the object causes the composite material of the plug to at least partially melt, and wherein the composite material cures to bond the plug to the object.