TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 392/1989
By L C Cook
Background
When an aircraft component fails to withstand the load applied it can be repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of the resultant damage. If repair is possible, then this is usually the faster and more economical alternative. This report describes the field of adhesive repair technology within the UK. A literature and industrial survey was undertaken by The Welding Institute to gather information from the civil and military aircraft industries and the adhesives industry on applications and developments of adhesives for repairing aircraft.
Adhesive bonding is used for the permanent and temporary repair of primary and secondary loaded aircraft structures. Many different applications of repair have been undertaken, and major considerations have been discussed in the report, e.g. adherend materials, adhesive selection, surface preparation. The experiences of several organisations have been outlined, to illustrate further the extent to which adhesive repair is being used in the UK.