A method for repairing a composite structure using pre-cured plugs. In accordance with one method, composite material is removed from a first composite laminate to form a cavity bounded by a tapered internal surface that extends from an opening at an outer mold line surface of the first composite laminate. In addition, a second composite laminate is machined to form a plug having a tapered surface. Then the plug is placed so that the tapered surface of the plug opposes the tapered internal surface of the first composite laminate. Thereafter, the tapered surface of the plug is bonded to the tapered internal surface of the first composite laminate. Optionally, a hole is drilled in the plug for receiving a fastener.

A method for repairing a composite structure using pre-cured plugs. In accordance with one method, composite material is removed from a first composite laminate to form a cavity bounded by a tapered internal surface that extends from an opening at an outer mold line surface of the first composite laminate. In addition, a second composite laminate is machined to form a plug having a tapered surface. Then the plug is placed so that the tapered surface of the plug opposes the tapered internal surface of the first composite laminate. Thereafter, the tapered surface of the plug is bonded to the tapered internal surface of the first composite laminate. Optionally, a hole is drilled in the plug for receiving a fastener.

A method of installing a liner assembly for pipeline repair or reinforcement includes: pulling a prepared liner assembly into position in the pipeline, the liner assembly including a tubular liner wetted with a curable compound; introducing fluid into the inflatable bladder to bring the tubular liner into firm contact with an interior surface of the pipeline; flowing the fluid continuously through the bladder and discharging the fluid into the pipeline, while maintaining the liner assembly in an inflated condition; measuring a flow rate and a temperature of the fluid entering the bladder; calculating a time period sufficient for the tubular liner to cure based on: an amount of heat required for curing, based on dimensional information of the liner, and the measured flow rate and temperature of the fluid; and maintaining the liner assembly in an inflated condition for the time period sufficient for the tubular liner to cure.

A method of installing a liner assembly for pipeline repair or reinforcement includes: pulling a prepared liner assembly into position in the pipeline, the liner assembly including a tubular liner wetted with a curable compound; introducing fluid into the inflatable bladder to bring the tubular liner into firm contact with an interior surface of the pipeline; flowing the fluid continuously through the bladder and discharging the fluid into the pipeline, while maintaining the liner assembly in an inflated condition; measuring a flow rate and a temperature of the fluid entering the bladder; calculating a time period sufficient for the tubular liner to cure based on: an amount of heat required for curing, based on dimensional information of the liner, and the measured flow rate and temperature of the fluid; and maintaining the liner assembly in an inflated condition for the time period sufficient for the tubular liner to cure.

A hole plug that can be used during rework or repair of a composite fiber assembly includes various features that allow placement of a vacuum force to the surface being reworked or repaired. In some implementations, the hole plug can include a plurality of nubs positioned around a shank. The nubs can secure the hole plug to the composite fiber assembly until a cure of an adhesive. The hole plug can further include a plurality of longitudinally oriented grooves extending along the shank and positioned between the plurality of nubs, and can include a notch positioned circumferentially around the shank. The grooves and notch can be used as adhesive carriers that assist with dispersal of a sufficient volume of the adhesive onto other portions of the shank and the composite fiber assembly during insertion of the hole plug into a hole in the composite fiber assembly.

A hole plug that can be used during rework or repair of a composite fiber assembly includes various features that allow placement of a vacuum force to the surface being reworked or repaired. In some implementations, the hole plug can include a plurality of nubs positioned around a shank. The nubs can secure the hole plug to the composite fiber assembly until a cure of an adhesive. The hole plug can further include a plurality of longitudinally oriented grooves extending along the shank and positioned between the plurality of nubs, and can include a notch positioned circumferentially around the shank. The grooves and notch can be used as adhesive carriers that assist with dispersal of a sufficient volume of the adhesive onto other portions of the shank and the composite fiber assembly during insertion of the hole plug into a hole in the composite fiber assembly.

A method of manufacturing a tire, the method comprising the steps of providing a cured tire subassembly, the subassembly including a first bead and a second bead, a cured carcass layer extending from the first bead to the second bead, and an optional cured innerliner disposed on the carcass layer; and applying an air barrier composition to the cured carcass layer, or to the cured innerliner if present, to form an air barrier layer.

A method of manufacturing a tire, the method comprising the steps of providing a cured tire subassembly, the subassembly including a first bead and a second bead, a cured carcass layer extending from the first bead to the second bead, and an optional cured innerliner disposed on the carcass layer; and applying an air barrier composition to the cured carcass layer, or to the cured innerliner if present, to form an air barrier layer.

Systems and methods are provided for curing a composite part. The method includes the steps of: disposing a heat blanket at a composite material; applying, with a controller, power to heaters distributed across multiple cells of a heat blanket to heat the composite material at the heat blanket; monitoring, with the controller, a temperature of the composite material at each of the multiple cells via thermocouples distributed across the multiple cells; and individually adjusting, with the controller, an amount of power applied to the heaters, for each of the multiple cells, in response to the monitored temperature and a target temperature.

Methods of embedding an elongate susceptor within a thermoplastic body and systems that perform the methods are disclosed herein. The methods include extending the elongate susceptor such that an extended portion of the elongate susceptor extends between a guide structure and a body-contacting structure. The methods also include heating a segment of the elongate susceptor to produce a heated portion of the elongate susceptor. The methods further include pressing a leading region of the heated portion of the elongate susceptor through a body surface of the thermoplastic body and into the thermoplastic body. The methods also include operatively translating at least one of the guide structure, the body-contacting structure, and an application tool that includes the guide structure and the body-contacting structure along an embedment pathway for the elongate susceptor.