In-situ analysis of cocured scarf patch repairs. (8th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bender, David B.; Centea, Timotei; Nutt, Steven
• Is Part Of: Advanced manufacturing. Volume 8:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2022-09-08
• Subjects: Prepreg composites -- out-of-autoclave prepregs -- in-situ analysis -- semi-preg formatting -- composite repair; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; 620.19205
• DOI: 10.1080/20550340.2022.2106347
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-0340

Abstract

Abstract: To address the need for high-quality in-field repair of composite structures, a vacuum-bag-only (VBO) prepreg was designed, produced, and evaluated. The prepreg featured semi-preg formatting and a room-temperature-stable resin. The format provided a multitude of pathways with much shorter breathe-out distances relative to conventional, edge-breathing VBO prepregs, and thus enhanced through-thickness air permeability. A custom-built scarfed repair tool with an in-situ observation window was designed and employed to analyze the cure process during a repair. Microstructural quality, interlaminar shear strength, and glass transition temperature of semi-preg panels were compared to wet-laid epoxy panels processed with double vacuum debulking (DVD). The semi-preg formatting effectively reduced porosity for in-field scarf panels, and when used with the new material system, presents a viable alternative to DVD and wet layup. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: UF0001