Turbine engine repair methods
A method for patching a damaged polymeric erosion coating ( 250 ) on a gas turbine engine component. The method comprises removing a portion of the coating around a damage site ( 200; 202; 204 ) and applying a pre-formed coating patch ( 220 ).
1. A method for patching a damaged polymeric erosion coating ( 250 ) on a gas turbine engine component, the method comprising:
removing a portion of the coating around a damage site ( 200 ; 202 ; 204 ); and
applying a pre-formed coating patch ( 220 ); wherein the patch comprises: a molded cured silicone body; a silane primer on an underside of the body; a silicone adhesive on the primer; and a release strip on the adhesive, the method comprising removing the release strip before applying the patch.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
priming the component.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein:
the priming is with a silane primer.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
applying a vacuum to the patch.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein:
the vacuum is applied via a vacuum blanket ( 260 ).
6. The method of claim 4 further comprising:
heating the patch while the vacuum is applied.
7. The method of claim 6 wherein:
the heating is an internal heating via an anti-icing system ( 280 ).
8. The method of claim 1 wherein:
the method is performed in situ with the engine on an aircraft.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein:
the damage site is along a fan inlet strut ( 206 ) or fan exit strut ( 29 ).
10. The method of claim 1 wherein:
the damage site has a polymer matrix composite substrate ( 240 ).
11. A patch ( 220 ) comprising:
a molded cured silicone body ( 227 );
a silane primer ( 224 ) on an underside of the body;
a silicone adhesive on the primer ( 226 ); and
a release strip on the adhesive ( 228 ).
12. The patch of claim 11 wherein:
the adhesive is a peroxide-cured silicone.
13. A method for manufacturing a patch comprising a silicone body; a silane primer on an underside of the body; a silicone adhesive on the primer; and a release strip on the adhesive, the method comprising:
molding and curing the body;
preparing the underside by mechanical abrasion or plasma treating;
applying the primer to the underside after the preparing; and
applying the adhesive to the primer.