Rapid Cure System for Nutplate Installation

ABSTRACT: Air Force platforms utilize nutplates to attach components when fasteners access is limited. Damaged nutplates require timely replacement and approved repair techniques mandate the use of certified adhesives, typically requiring a lengthy 24 hour cure at room temperature. Therefore, Air Force repair depots are faced with the difficult situation of performing high volume, timely nutplate repairs using materials initially optimized for long working time. Adhesive cure can be accelerated with the application of supplemental heating, but improper heating effects material properties and reduces nutplate performance. Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. (CRG) proposes to develop an accelerated adhesive cure cycle and localized, controlled heating system capable of maintaining nutplate performance in restrictive repair environments (e.g. on-aircraft). During Phase I, CRG will develop cure profiles and a rapid heating system, leveraging commercially available components, to demonstrate feasibility through lab demonstrations. Phase II will result in fabrication of a refined prototype accelerated adhesive cure system that will be evaluated during field repairs. Phase III will focus on transitioning the technology to Air Force repair depots and commercialization of the rapid cure system.; BENEFIT: Operational Benefits:(1)Optimized cure cycle reduces MRO costs and down-time(2)Localized, controlled heating improves bondline reliability(3)Automated compensation for substructure reduces complexityCommercial Applications:(1)Aircraft manufacturing and MRO(2)Automotive and composite manufacturing(3)Adhesive and hardware distributors