Method of Making and Using Shape Memory Polymer Composite Patches

摘要

Composite materials are widely used in the aerospace industry to build aircraft components such as fuselages, wings, tail fins, and doors. To repair damage to composites, a "prepreg" of fibrous material is laid over the hole or crack. A vacuum bag holds an electric blanket in position over the repair area while, at the same time, applying a compaction force to the prepreg. Inconsistency of the heat provided by the electric blanket, however, leads to unreliability in the curing process.