Method of repairing a crack in a component utilizing friction stir welding
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsRajesh Talwar, Rigoberto Perez
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of repairing a crack (14) in a component (12). The method includes preparing a surrounding surface (22) of the crack (14) for repair and welding a first portion (24) of the component (12) on a first side (26) of the crack (14) to a second portion (28) of the component (12) on a second side (30) of the crack (14) to form a fused crack area (50). The method may also include applying a patch (78) over the fused crack area (50) for additional strength.
Claims21
A method of repairing a crack in a component comprising:
- preparing a surrounding surface of the crack for repair;
- friction stir welding a first portion of the component on a first side of the crack to a second portion of the component on a second side of the crack to form a fused crack area;
- inserting a temporary plug into an existing hole of the component;
- friction stir welding said crack
- disengaging a friction stir welding tool in a center of a partial exit hole;
- and
- removing said temporary plug from the component.
A method of repairing a crack in a component of an aircraft comprising:
- preparing a surrounding surface of the crack for repair;
- friction stir welding a first portion of the component on a first side of the crack to a second portion of the component on a second side of the crack to form a fused crack area;
- applying a patch over said fused crack area;
- coupling said patch to the component;
- plug welding at least one hole in the component;
- inserting a temporary plug into an existing hole of said at least one hole;
- friction stir welding said crack;
- disengaging a friction stir welding tool in a center of a partial exit hole;
- and
- removing said temporary plug from the component.
A method of repairing a crack in a component of an aircraft comprising:
- preparing a surrounding surface of the crack for repair;
- friction stir welding a first portion of the component on a first side of the crack to a second portion of the component on a second side of the crack to form a fused crack area;
- applying a patch over said fused crack area;
- coupling said patch to the component;
- and
- inserting a fastener in at least one exit hole in the component.
A method of repairing a crack in a component of an aircraft comprising:
- preparing a surrounding surface of the crack for repair;
- inserting a temporary plug into an existing hole;
- friction stir welding a first portion of the component on a first side of the crack to a second portion of the component on a second side of the crack to form a fused crack area;
- disengaging a friction stir welding tool in a center of a partial exit hole;
- removing said temporary plug from the component;
- applying a patch over said fused crack area;
- and
- coupling said patch to the component.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.