A method of fixing a membrane to a surface is disclosed. The method includes affixing a metallic washer having a heat-activated adhesive layer on a surface; arranging a membrane on top of the surface and the heat-activated adhesive layer of the metallic washer; heating the metallic washer to activate the heat-activated adhesive layer such that the membrane is fixable to the metallic washer; positioning a magnetic clamping heat sink assembly on the membrane; magnetically clamping the magnetic clamping heat sink assembly to the metallic washer causing the magnetic clamping heat sink assembly to apply a force against the membrane when the magnetic clamping heat sink assembly sufficiently overlaps the metallic washer to form a secure bond; and cooling the metallic washer, the heat-activated adhesive layer, and the membrane by removing heat through the magnetic clamping heat sink assembly.

A welding system includes an inductor on an output of a welding power supply. The power supply may be of the type including an engine and a generator for producing power, with power conversion circuitry conditioning the power to a form suitable for a stick welding application. The inductor has an inductance sufficient for storing energy for maintaining a welding arc with XX10 electrodes, such as on the order of 700 mH. The inductor may have a particular structure, such as one designed around T and L shaped core elements.

A welding system includes an inductor on an output of a welding power supply. The power supply may be of the type including an engine and a generator for producing power, with power conversion circuitry conditioning the power to a form suitable for a stick welding application. The inductor has an inductance sufficient for storing energy for maintaining a welding arc with XX10 electrodes, such as on the order of 700 mH. The inductor may have a particular structure, such as one designed around T and L shaped core elements.

An induction coil assembly includes an annular member extending from a first end to a second end, and extending about a longitudinal axis; a first leg extending from the first end of the annular member, and including a first electrical connection portion and a first axial portion; and a second leg extending from the second end of the annular member, and including a second electrical connection portion and a second axial portion. An internal surface of the annular member defines a first fluid passage through the annular member. An internal surface of the first leg defines a second fluid passage through the first leg. An internal surface of the second leg defines a third fluid passage through the second leg. The second fluid passage is in fluid communication with the third fluid passage via the first fluid passage.

An induction coil assembly includes an annular member extending from a first end to a second end, and extending about a longitudinal axis; a first leg extending from the first end of the annular member, and including a first electrical connection portion and a first axial portion; and a second leg extending from the second end of the annular member, and including a second electrical connection portion and a second axial portion. An internal surface of the annular member defines a first fluid passage through the annular member. An internal surface of the first leg defines a second fluid passage through the first leg. An internal surface of the second leg defines a third fluid passage through the second leg. The second fluid passage is in fluid communication with the third fluid passage via the first fluid passage.

Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding. The method includes initiating induction welding by operating an induction coil along a weld interface of a first composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, in order to join the first composite part to a second composite part, determining a measured magnetic field strength at a location distinct from the induction coil, and determining a welding temperature at the weld interface of the first composite part based on the measured magnetic field strength.

Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding. The method includes initiating induction welding by operating an induction coil along a weld interface of a first composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, in order to join the first composite part to a second composite part, determining a measured magnetic field strength at a location distinct from the induction coil, and determining a welding temperature at the weld interface of the first composite part based on the measured magnetic field strength.

Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding of a composite part. The method includes locating a linear fiber optic sensor along a composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, measuring temperatures along the weld line via the linear fiber optic sensor, performing induction welding at the composite part along the weld line, determining a continuum of weld temperatures along the weld line, and controlling the induction welding based on the continuum of weld temperatures.

Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding of a composite part. The method includes locating a linear fiber optic sensor along a composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, measuring temperatures along the weld line via the linear fiber optic sensor, performing induction welding at the composite part along the weld line, determining a continuum of weld temperatures along the weld line, and controlling the induction welding based on the continuum of weld temperatures.

A magnetic clamping heat sink assembly is disclosed including a magnetic assembly with a carrier body including a magnet. A spring resiliently biases the carrier body. A base assembly includes a base plate. In a first operating condition, the base assembly of the magnetic clamping heat sink assembly is positioned in a first position away from a ferromagnetic element, and the spring holds the carrier body at a medial position spaced apart from the base plate. In a second operating condition, the base assembly of the magnetic clamping heat sink assembly is positioned in a second position adjacent to the ferromagnetic element, and the carrier body is driven downward against a force of the spring to a lower position and into contact with the base plate by magnetic attraction between the at least one magnet and the ferromagnetic element.