Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation

George W Gilchrist

Richard Yurman

Anthony R Bartilucci

Jerrell Anthony Nardiello

John Steven Madsen

John Abraham Crawford

Charles J Weizenecker

Louis Gregory Casagrande

One example includes a repair assembly that is comprised of a composite patch, an adhesive, and a veil. The adhesive is disposed between a composite structure that includes an anomaly to be repaired and the composite patch and the composite patch. The veil is disposed between the composite structure and the composite patch. The veil generates heat in response to electric power being applied to the veil, with the adhesive being cured with the heat generated with the veil to repair the composite structure including the anomaly.

Veil based composite structure repair

In a system ( ) for evaluating a structure ( ), the structure ( ) has a predetermined baseline thermal signature. The system ( ) includes a thermal source ( ) located at least partially inside the structure ( ). The thermal source ( ) is operable to generate a predetermined amount of heat, which heats the structure ( ). The system ( ) also includes a detection device ( ) that is operable to determine the temperature at various points of the structure ( ). The system ( ) further includes a computer ( ) that is coupled to the detection device ( ). The computer ( ) is operable to generate a thermal signature of the structure ( ) based on the temperature at the various points. The generated thermal signature of the structure ( ) is compared to the baseline thermal signature of the structure ( ) to determine whether anomalies exist in the structure ( ).

System and method for evaluating a structure

Apparatus for manufacturing a composite article comprising an autoclave having a platen, a work tool located in the autoclave and supported by the platen, and a composite article on the work tool. The platen is heated to transfer heat from the platen to the work tool and from the work tool to the composite article to cure that article; and a heat conductive, flexible mat is positioned between the platen and the work tool to maintain a desired thermal conductivity between the platen and the work tool as the work tool is heated.

Method and system for manufacturing composite articles

A method and apparatus for manufacturing a composite article. The method comprises the step of providing an autoclave having a platen, applying a composite article onto a work tool, and positioning the work tool on the platen. The platen is heated to transfer heat from the platen to the work tool and from the work tool to the composite article to cure that article; and a heat conductive, flexible mat is positioned between the platen and the work tool to maintain a desired thermal conductivity between the platen and the work tool during the heating step.

Growing community of inventors

N. Massapequa, NY, United States of America

George W Gilchrist