Airbus Operations Gmbh

Airbus Operations Sl

Guy Tothill

Richard Dobbin

Fernando Pereira Mosqueira

Jeremy Bradley

David Liversage

Anthony Langley

Darren Crew

Davood Sarchamy

Miguel Marín Muñoz

Jesús Javier Vazquez Castro

Juan José Gutierrez Santiago

A method of producing a sealed structural joint between two components () and such a sealed joint are provided. The method includes the steps of applying a layer of sealant () to the first component (), applying liquid shim () to the second component (), inserting an intermediate layer () between the sealant () and the liquid shim (), the intermediate layer () having a series of raised structural features () to engage the first component (). The features () are positioned to allow the sealant () to extend across the joint between the raised features () to form a continuous seal. The joint is then closed and cure of the liquid shim () and sealant () takes place to solidify the shim () to the desired thickness within the joint.

Sealing and shimming of structural joints

An external part of an aircraft (such as a fairing) comprising a skin made with flexible materials attached to rigid supporting elements (such as longerons and frames) arranged in, at least, two directions. The skin comprises inner inflatable panels in all bays delimited by the rigid supporting elements and/or an external inflatable panel. The skin is joined to the supporting elements so that its external surface complies with aerodynamic requirements.

Aircraft external part with inflatable panels

The present invention proposes a cap for forming a sealed cavity around one end of a fastener to thereby contain out-gassing and sparking events in the event of a lightning strike to the fastener. The invention also proposes a joint comprising such a cap, and a kit of parts and method for installing such a cap. A cap according to the invention comprises: an inner cap member having an annular base terminating at an edge which surrounds an opening into an air cavity for enclosing the one end of a fastener; and an outer cap member having an annular skirt or flange which extends radially outwardly away from the annular base, the annular skirt or flange and annular base between them defining an annular sealing cavity. The cap also comprises a sealing material inlet comprising an opening in the outer cap member that is in fluid communication with the annular sealing cavity, the opening being arranged to interconnect with a sealing material injection device to provide a flow of curable sealing material from the sealing material inlet into the annular sealing cavity.

Injectable nut cap

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Bristol, United Kingdom

Guy Tothill