In-Field Repair Procedure for Fiber-Reinforced Composite Structures

Custom Technologies, LLC, developed a new composite material-based repair patch system optimized to enable a minimally-trained team to efficiently and effectively repair damage to the Mobile Composite Bridge (MCB) while in service. The technology is based upon already-proven methods developed by Custom Tech team members, and currently used by the U.S. Navy to perform similar repairs on fleet ship structure. The feasibility of the technology was established by performing a series of analytical, material selection, test specimen fabrication, repairs and mechanical testing tasks. Two classes of resin systems were evaluated. Both resin systems provide unique benefits as neither system requires special equipment for mixing and dispensing and eliminates HAZMAT issues. Quasi-isotropic fabrics were selected and evaluated for the repair laminate, eliminating the need for specific ply orientation. Prepackaged plural component dispensing allows application with no measuring and mixing. The patch kit will permit handling and sizing of the patch to tailor it to the size of the damage. The entire repair system will be provided as a complete light weight and portable kit. The repair kit and repair scenario will be vetted in accordance with The Army Safety Program: Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health.