Abstract: A method of evaluating continued usage of a particular type of aircraft after a lightning strike includes performing structure assessments of one or more structures of the type of aircraft based on one or more representative values for lightning strike damage for the type of aircraft. The method also includes determining a number indicating how many flights an aircraft of the type of aircraft can fly after a lightning strike and before performing an extended conditional inspection for lightning strike damage.

Abstract: A test fixture for securing a test article is disclosed. The test fixture includes a frame, an upper grip, at least one heat shield, a cooling assembly, and insulation. The frame defines an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the frame is releasably mounted to a vibration device. The upper grip is connected to the upper portion of the frame and the lower grip is connected to the lower portion of the frame. The heat shield is positioned to insulate at least one of the upper grip and the lower grip. The upper grip is configured to secure an upper portion of the test article along an upper interface. The lower grip is configured to secure a lower portion of the test article along a lower interface. The cooling assembly transports a cooling medium across at least one of the upper interface and the lower interface.

Abstract: A method of evaluating continued usage of a particular type of aircraft after a lightning strike includes performing structure assessments of one or more structures of the type of aircraft based on one or more representative values for lightning strike damage for the type of aircraft. The method also includes determining a number indicating how many flights an aircraft of the type of aircraft can fly after a lightning strike and before performing an extended conditional inspection for lightning strike damage.

Abstract: A test fixture for securing a test article is disclosed. The test fixture includes a frame, an upper grip, at least one heat shield, a cooling assembly, and insulation. The frame defines an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the frame is releasably mounted to a vibration device. The upper grip is connected to the upper portion of the frame and the lower grip is connected to the lower portion of the frame. The heat shield is positioned to insulate at least one of the upper grip and the lower grip. The upper grip is configured to secure an upper portion of the test article along an upper interface. The lower grip is configured to secure a lower portion of the test article along a lower interface. The cooling assembly transports a cooling medium across at least one of the upper interface and the lower interface.

Abstract: A test fixture for securing a test article is disclosed. The test fixture comprises a frame, an upper grip, a lower grip, a tensioner assembly, and a cooling assembly. The frame defines an upper portion and a lower portion, where the lower portion of the frame is configured to be releasably mounted to a vibration device. The upper grip is connected to the upper portion of the frame and the lower grip is connected to the lower portion of the frame. The upper grip is configured to secure an upper portion of the test article along an upper interface, and the lower grip is configured to secure a lower portion of the test article along a lower interface. The tensioner assembly is located at the upper portion of the test fixture. The cooling assembly transports a cooling medium across at least one of the upper interface and the lower interface.

Abstract: A patch may be used to rework a composite structure in the field. The patch is bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive and includes perforations that allow the escape of air from the adhesive as the patch is compressed against the structure. A spacer may be introduced between the patch and the structure to control the thickness of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A test fixture for securing a test article is disclosed. The test fixture comprises a frame, an upper grip, a lower grip, a tensioner assembly, and a cooling assembly. The frame defines an upper portion and a lower portion, where the lower portion of the frame is configured to be releasably mounted to a vibration device. The upper grip is connected to the upper portion of the frame and the lower grip is connected to the lower portion of the frame. The upper grip is configured to secure an upper portion of the test article along an upper interface, and the lower grip is configured to secure a lower portion of the test article along a lower interface. The tensioner assembly is located at the upper portion of the test fixture. The cooling assembly transports a cooling medium across at least one of the upper interface and the lower interface.

Abstract: A patch is used to rework an area of a structure. The patch is bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive. A spacer placed between the patch and the structure is used to control the thickness of the adhesive and/or a bondline.

Abstract: A patch may be used to rework a composite structure in the field. The patch is bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive and includes perforations that allow the escape of air from the adhesive as the patch is compressed against the structure. A spacer may be introduced between the patch and the structure to control the thickness of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A patch may be used to rework a composite structure in the field. The patch is bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive and includes perforations that allow the escape of air from the adhesive as the patch is compressed against the structure. A spacer may be introduced between the patch and the structure to control the thickness of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: A composite repair template tool includes a tool body, a convex radius edge on the tool body and a concave radius edge on the tool body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a vehicle. An apparatus comprises a proximity detection system, a vehicle management system, and a notification system. The proximity detection system is associated with an aircraft and operably connected to a transducer. The proximity detection system is configured to determine a distance of a vehicle from a surface of the aircraft and a velocity of the vehicle relative to the aircraft. The vehicle management system operably connected to the proximity detection system. The vehicle management system is configured to determine a time the vehicle will be a threshold distance from the surface of the aircraft and an threshold amount of time to bring the vehicle to a predetermined velocity. The notification system is associated with the proximity detection system and configured to generate a notification signal in response to a determination that the time is less than the threshold amount of time.

Abstract: A composite repair template tool includes a tool body, a convex radius edge on the tool body and a concave radius edge on the tool body.

Abstract: A composite repair template tool includes a tool body, a convex radius edge on the tool body and a concave radius edge on the tool body.

Abstract: A composite repair template tool includes a tool body, a convex radius edge on the tool body and a concave radius edge on the tool body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a vehicle. An apparatus comprises a proximity detection system, a vehicle management system, and a notification system. The proximity detection system is associated with an aircraft and operably connected to a transducer. The proximity detection system is configured to determine a distance of a vehicle from a surface of the aircraft and a velocity of the vehicle relative to the aircraft. The vehicle management system operably connected to the proximity detection system. The vehicle management system is configured to determine a time the vehicle will be a threshold distance from the surface of the aircraft and an threshold amount of time to bring the vehicle to a predetermined velocity. The notification system is associated with the proximity detection system and configured to generate a notification signal in response to a determination that the time is less than the threshold amount of time.

Abstract: The present invention comprises systems and methods for preventing collisions between aircraft and ground vehicles. In one embodiment, a system includes a proximity detection unit and a transducer proximate to a selected structural portion of an aircraft, the proximity detection unit being operable to emit ranging signals through the transducer and to receive reflected signals through the transducer to determine the position of an object within a ranging area adjacent to the structural portion. The system further includes an alarm device coupled to the proximity detection unit that is responsive to a signal generated by the proximity detection unit. In another embodiment, a method includes determining a distance between the ground service vehicle and a selected structural portion of the aircraft when the vehicle is positioned in a ranging area about the aircraft. The method further includes generating a proximity alarm based upon the distance.

Abstract: A patch is used to rework an area of a structure. The patch is bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive. A spacer placed between the patch and the structure is used to control the thickness of the adhesive and/or a bondline.

Abstract: A patch may be used to rework a composite structure in the filed. The patch is bonded to the structure by a layer of adhesive and includes perforations that allow the escape of air from the adhesive as the patch is compressed against the structure. A spacer may be introduced between the patch and the structure to control the thickness of the adhesive layer.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting and monitoring bolted joints of metallic and composite structures for defects such as delamination and fatigue cracking are provided that incorporate ultrasonic transducers with load bearing washers. These active washers may be used for inspecting and monitoring a structure beneath such load bearing fasteners as bolts and nuts. Active washers may be used for continuous, periodic, and controlled inspections of bolted joints. Ultrasonic transducers may be permanently applied to a surface of a washer or recessed in a cavity on a surface of the washer. Inspection signals may be transmitted from ultrasonic transducers into a structure and reflected in pulse-echo application or received by another active washer on the opposing side of the structure in a through-transmission application.