TDA: a major step forward in composite repair heating blankets

摘要

In the repair of composite components and in metal-metal bonding, non-uniform heating of the repair area is a significant problem. Use of conventional silicone/electric blankets may produce significant temperature variations. This paper reports on a new blanket that significantly reduces temperature variations. The new blanket employs a Thermal Diffusion Apparatus (TDA), which is technology patented by The Boeing Company. The new blanket, when applied to a test panel with a demonstrated temperature range of 39 deg C (70 deg F) and a standard deviation of 11 deg C (20 deg F)when heated to 177 deg C with a conventional blanket, brought the range down to +/- 12 deg C (22 deg F) with a standarddeviation of 3 deg C (5.4 deg F). The temperature leveling process is passive, requiring no special equipment. The blanket can be used in conjunction with any controller. The TDA components are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. This blanket, which will be available commercially from WichiTech Industries, Inc., offers a simple and economical means to dramatically improve repair consistency.