Abstract: A structural repair includes a tell-tale optical witness that allows the health of the repair to be visually monitored. The optical witness includes a stress sensitive fluorescent dye that shows changes in local strain/stress patterns when the repair is subjected to electromagnetic energy of a particular wavelength. The dyes fluoresce more or less strongly as a function of the local stress/strain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing parts. A number of identifiers is received for an unidentified part. A determination is made as to whether the number of identifiers sufficiently matches a number of corresponding identifiers in a plurality of identifiers in a code stored in a database of codes associated with parts. The code is associated with the part. In response to the number of identifiers matching the number of corresponding identifiers in the plurality of identifiers in the code, a repository storing related information for the parts is accessed to obtain the related information for the part using a code identified for the part.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for electroplating a graphite-epoxy workpiece in-situ. An electroplating assembly includes a rigid base that is retained a fixed distance about the surface region by insulated standoff legs. A flexible vacuum bag is coupled to the graphite-epoxy workpiece with a fluid-tight seal. The vacuum bag surrounds the surface region and encloses the rigid base to form a plating chamber. A supply chamber, containing a plating fluid, is coupled to the plating chamber by a fluid-tight tubing. A storage chamber is coupled to the plating chamber by a fluid-tight tubing. A vacuum source is coupled by tubing to the supply chamber and to the storage chamber. Valves in each tubing permit the selective coupling of the vacuum source and plating chamber to either the supply chamber or the storage chamber. Electroplating is carried out while plating fluid is drawn by the vacuum, from the supply chamber into the plating chamber and into the storage chamber.

Abstract: A rope saw cutting apparatus is partially insertable through a bore in a composite panel to scarf the panel without access to the blind side of the panel. The same apparatus can also be used to prepare a tapered repair plug to close tolerance to repair the scarfed panel. The apparatus preferably uses a rope saw blade to perform a plunge cut followed by a circumferential cut which has a desired taper or scarf angle.

Abstract: Material is removed from a panel (10) in the region surrounding an undesired opening (12) caused by damage or incorrect forming or wear of a fastener hole. The resulting prepared opening (21) has a bearing load transmitting sidewall surface that is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface (11) of the panel (10) and tapers slightly in an inward direction relative to the surface (11). The prepared opening (21) may extend all the way through the panel (10) or only part way through. A prefabricated insert (22) is positioned in the prepared opening (21) and bonded to the load transmitting surface. The bonding may be accomplished by applying an adhesive or using a fusing procedure. The insert (22) may have a constant angle of taper, preferably about two degrees, or may be concavely curved in the direction of taper. The insert (22) may be trimmed prior to and/or following the bonding procedure. A new fastener hole may be drilled through the bonded insert (22).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a containment for treating a surface, such as on an aircraft, in-situ. A treating compartment having a conductive screen and an insulating fiber member therein is held in place on the surface by a retaining membrane attached around the periphery of the treating compartment. The treating fluid is held in a separate container that is coupled to the treating compartment. A suction is placed on the treating compartment which pulls the membrane, screen and fiber against the surface and into contact with each other. The suction also pulls the treating fluid into the treating compartment. The fluid spreads evenly along the insulating member disposed between the screen and the surface under treatment. A voltage potential difference is placed between the conductive screen and the surface, causing current to run through the treating fluid to provide treatment of the surface.

Abstract: A hole (12) in a panel (10) of composite material is cut by a router or the like to dress it into a rounded hole (12'). A cavity is routed or otherwise formed in the panel (10) to extend across the dressed hole (12') in the direction of maximum tension loads in the panel (10). An insert (16) is secured in the cavity (18). The insert (16) and the cavity (18) have matching plan forms and each has a relatively narrow central portion and enlarged end portions (42, 44). The end portions (42, 44) of the insert interlock with end portions of the cavity (18) such that tension loads will be carried by the insert (16) from a region of the wall (10) on one side of the hole (12') across the hole (12') to a region of the wall (10) on the opposite side of the hole (12').

Abstract: A hole (12) in a panel (10) of composite material is cut by a router or the like to dress it into a rounded hole (12'). A cavity is routed or otherwise formed in the panel (10) to extend across the dressed hole (12') in the direction of maximum tension loads in the panel (10). An insert (16) is secured in the cavity (18). The insert (16) and the cavity (18) have matching plan forms and each has a relatively narrow central portion and enlarged end portions (42, 44). The end portions (42, 44) of the insert interlock with end portions of the cavity (18) such that tension loads will be carried by the insert (16) from a region of the wall (10) on one side of the hole (12') across the hole (12') to a region of the wall (10) on the opposite side of the hole (12').

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a containment for treating a surface, such as on an aircraft, in-situ. A treating compartment having a conductive screen and an insulating fiber member therein is held in place on the surface by a retaining membrane attached around the periphery of the treating compartment. The treating fluid is held in a separate container that is coupled to the treating compartment. A suction is placed on the treating compartment which pulls the membrane, screen and fiber against the surface and into contact with each other. The suction also pulls the treating fluid into the treating compartment. The fluid spreads evenly along the insulating member disposed between the screen and the surface under treatment. A voltage potential difference is placed between the conductive screen and the surface, causing current to run through the treating fluid to provide treatment of the surface.