A CASE STUDY OF AIRCRAFT COMPOSITE COMPONENT REPAIR UTILIZING AUTOCLAVE CURING

Khairul Dahri Mohd Aris; Nurul Zuhairah Mahmud Zuhudi; Fadzil Adly  Ishak; Sharifah Nor Fatin Syed Ramli

Authors

Khairul Dahri Mohd Aris Universiti Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Nurul Zuhairah Mahmud Zuhudi Universiti Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Fadzil Adly Ishak Universiti Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology
Sharifah Nor Fatin Syed Ramli Universiti Kuala Lumpur - Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology

Keywords:

aerospace structures, aircraft maintenance, advanced composite, curing process

Abstract

This paper presents the evaluation process of aircraft composite component structural repair of flap fairing origin for Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The intended repair has been carried out due to a wide area of damage that requires utilization of an autoclave. All preparations are carried out in accordance to the aircraft structural repair manual of Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The damage is removed via the step cutting method on the outer surface of the component prior to the inspection verification via tap test inspection. In order to prevent profile bending and torsion, the part is placed on a male mold that will be vacuumed together. The damaged area is repaired using similar materials and orientation, but with an additional layer as per prescribed in the manual. The component is then cured inside the autoclave at 121°C for two hours at a pressure of four bars. Once cured, the component is inspected through the post-repair inspection for visual and structural integrity prior to painting. The post-repair inspection has indicated that the repair has preserved the component and it is now fit to be used.