Patent ID: 7857925
Filing Date: 2010-12-28
Classification: B29C,B29K

Abstract:
1. A protocol for determining process parameters for composite patch preparation using double vacuum debulk (DVD) comprising the steps of: obtaining cure and current consolidation information of a composite material system as a preliminary baseline; determining if a rheology study is required; if so, conducting the rheology to determine resin viscosity profile upon heat up to cure temperature; preparing a matrix for varying time/temp profiles to pursue better results or find process limits; running the matrix variations of time/temp DVD profiles to confirm data values; assessing panel bleed for matrix variations during both debulk and cure assessing matrix panels for general quality appearance; measuring matrix panel average thickness to confirm patch quality; evaluating matrix panels with an NDI panel using 5 MHz through transmission ultrasonics; determining an optimum consolidation and defining process points at which quality drops off; and, applying protocol results to patch preparation for the material tested.