Positive Pressure Environmental Boundary System

The growing use of composites in military aircraft and the corresponding rise in repair complexity, particularly in low visibility materials such as on the Stealth B-2 and F-111 bombers, necessitates advances in rapid surface preparation and repair technology. One of the requirements to be addressed is the development of a boundary that will allow aircraft maintainers to control the localized environment at the repair site. To address the Air Force need for such an environmental boundary system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Positive Pressure BOundary System (PBOS). PBOS is an environmental shield that provides protection from blowing debris and creates a specific environment for repairs by coupling the enclosure to an inert gas cylinder of choice. The innovations in PBOS will enable the system to be assembled quickly and securely over a work area, using available compressed air or electrical power. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of PBOS by developing a proof-of-concept prototype, which will show capability to meet the Air Force needs. In Phase II, we plan to develop a pre-production prototype and demonstrate that it can protect work areas in real work scenarios. BENEFIT: Military applications of the PBOS will include in-field repair of the composite structures of vehicles such as aircraft, watercraft, and lightweight ground vehicles. It can be incorporated into the repair capabilities of in-field repair teams. In addition, coupling PBOS with portable pressurized gas sources such as carbon dioxide canisters will benefit other in-field activities requiring a clean environment.