Heating Layer For Film Removal

Abstract

Embodiments of the presently disclosed system include a thin thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer film loaded with non-polymeric inclusions that are susceptible to heating under a time-varying magnetic field. Insertion of this additional heating layer into a structural or semi-structural heterogeneous laminate provides an on-demand de-bonding site for laminate deconstruction. For example, in some embodiments when the heating layer is inserted between a cured Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) layer and a Polymeric/Metallic film stackup layer, the heating layer can be selectively heated above its softening point (e.g., by using energy absorbed from a locally-applied time-varying magnetic field) to allow for ease of applique separation from the CFRP layer.

Claims

1. A system for installation or removal of appliques, the system comprising: an applique comprising: a lightning strike protection layer mounted to the surface of an aircraft; a heating layer positioned between the surface of the aircraft and the lightning protection layer, the heating layer comprising a polymer and magnetic material; and an adhesive layer adhering the lightning protection layer and the heating layer to the surface of the aircraft; and a magnetic field source for generating a variable frequency magnetic field.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the magnetic material comprises a magnetic material with a Curie point temperature within a temperature range at which adhesive bonds in the adhesive layer will de-bond.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the magnetic field source comprises a source that generates a magnetic field selected to cause the magnetic material to reach the Curie point temperature within the temperature range at which the adhesive bonds in the adhesive layer will de-bond.

4. The system of claim 2 wherein the magnetic field source comprises a coil that generates a magnetic field in the range of 15-300 KHz.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the surface layer comprises a lightning strike protection layer further comprising a conductor layer and a dielectric layer.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the surface layer comprises a surface protection layer.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the surface layer comprises a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic layer.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the magnetic field source includes a robotically operated coil.

9. A method comprising: coupling a surface layer with a heating layer comprising a resin and magnetic material; coupling an adhesive layer with the heating layer; adhering the surface layer to a mounting surface of an aircraft using the adhesive layer; applying a varying magnetic field to the heating layer at least until the heating layer reaches a Curie point temperature of the magnetic material, the Curie point temperature within a temperature range at which adhesive bonds in the adhesive layer de-bond; and removing the surface layer from the surface of the aircraft.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the adhesive layer is coupled with a bottom surface of the heating layer.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising: coupling a second adhesive layer on a surface of the heating layer that is adjacent to the surface layer.

12. The method of claim 9 further comprising including an alloy in the magnetic material.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the alloy that is included in the magnetic material is a nickel-iron alloy.

14. The method of claim 9 further comprising including particulate material into the magnetic material.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the particulate material that is included comprises chopped fiber wire or flaked material.

16. The method of claim 9, wherein the surface layer is a carbon-fiber reinforced plastic layer.

17. A method comprising: applying a varying magnetic field to a heating layer of an applique, the heating layer comprising a resin and a magnetic material; stabilizing the heating layer at a limit temperature due to a Curie point of the magnetic material; softening an adhesive layer adjacent to the heating layer due to the limit temperature of the heating layer, the adhesive layer adhering the applique to a surface of an aircraft; and removing the applique from the surface of the aircraft

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the varying magnetic field has a frequency of 15 kHz and a magnitude of 20 mT.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the limit temperature is 150 F., 350 F., or 450 F.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the varying magnetic field is applied by a robotically operated coil.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 shows some potential application areas on an aircraft 10 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates some current techniques for removal of appliques.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a prior art system for appliques.

[0020] FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C illustrate embodiments of an applique in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of alternative embodiments of heating layer 100 illustrating magnetic material 105 within.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a plot of temperature over time for the application of a varying frequency magnetic field to a magnetic material 105.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method to manufacture an applique in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0024] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0026] In aircraft applications, some possible areas of use for the applique material include the wing 20 for lightning protection, the fuselage 30 for shielding and lightning protection, and the empennage 40 for lightning protection. FIG. 1 shows some potential application areas on an aircraft 10 in accordance with some disclosed embodiments.

[0027] As discussed above, currently, adhesion issues associated with appliques exist and can vary with the adhesive used. PSA adhesives typically reduce or lose their tack at low temperatures and reduce their shear holding ability at high temperatures; special PSA adhesives are made to function at high or low temperatures (e.g., in temperature regimes ranging from approximately 65 F. thru approximately 180 F.). Thermosetting polymer adhesives have demonstrated the capability to perform well at these extremes, but do not, on their own, provide the desired de-bonding characteristics required when the film stackups must be removed/replaced. Thermoplastic adhesives are heat reactive, but the heating must be sufficiently controlled for effective adhesive application and removal.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates some current techniques for removal of appliques. Current techniques include slitting the applique material using a cutting tool (not shown) which preferably cuts the applique to a specific depth to alleviate the cutting into the structural materials 58. With the applique 52 cut into strips 54 it can be peeled off the structure 58 with considerable effort (e.g., by application of heat 60). Other techniques for applique removal are also possible.

[0029] As noted above, some advantages of using a metal/polymer lightning strike protection layer for lightning protection may include enabling a post-assembly process to cover a surface (e.g., prior to painting) and to provide a mechanisms to divert lightning current away from aircraft skin fasteners.

[0030] Some possible design approaches include applying an applique in a full-acreage format with a conductive layer applied over entire or large sections of an aircraft (e.g., a wing box) in order to route lightning current, for example, to the leading or trailing edges or wing root. In addition, a dielectric layer may be implemented to cover fasteners and any conductive features in critical sections.

[0031] Another possible design approach is to implement a strip format with both the applique conductive layer and dielectric layer applied substantially over the fasteners or other conductive features in critical sections while leaving other portions substantially uncovered. Such a design may, for example, direct surface current to the leading/trailing edges and wing root. Other design options also exist. Further, the applique dielectric and conductive layers (layer thickness, material type, layup configuration) can all be varied and configured to meet desired performance requirements (e.g., durability, functionality, or the like).

[0032] Other possible embodiments include using appliques for surface protection or for aerodynamic properties. In such cases, embodiments may include a surface layer with the appropriate properties (e.g., protective, aerodynamic, or the like), a heating layer, and an adhesive layer. In other embodiments the heating layer and the adhesive layer may be integrated into a single layer. Other configurations are also possible.

[0033] Accordingly, embodiments of the presently disclosed system include a heating layer which may comprise a thin thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer film loaded with non-polymeric inclusions that are susceptible to heating under a time-varying magnetic field. Insertion of this additional heating layer into a structural or semi-structural heterogeneous laminate provides an on-demand de-bonding site for laminate deconstruction. For example, in some embodiments when the heating layer is inserted between a cured Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) layer and a Polymeric/Metallic film stackup layer, the heating layer can be selectively heated above its softening point (e.g., by using energy absorbed from a locally-applied time-varying magnetic field) to allow for ease of applique separation from the CFRP layer.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a prior art system for some appliques. As illustrated, some embodiments of existing appliques may comprise a lightning strike protection (LSP) layer 70 that may further comprise a metallic conductor and a polymeric dielectric. As discussed, the LSP layer 70 may be adhered to a surface 90 which may comprise a CFRP laminate. For some embodiments, the applique may also comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) layer 80. Other configurations for existing appliques are also possible.

[0035] FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate embodiments of appliques in accordance with the present disclosure. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4A may comprise an LSP layer 70 that may be mounted to a surface 90, such as a CFRP surface of an aircraft. Embodiments may also comprise one or more adhesive layers 85 (e.g., thermosetting film adhesive (TSA) layers, PSA layers, thermoplastic adhesive layers, or the like). While two adhesive layers 85 are shown in FIG. 4A other configurations are also possible. For example, embodiments of an applique with a single adhesive layer 85 could be implemented. Embodiments of adhesive layers 85 may comprise an epoxy film, such as 250 degree F. curing epoxy film adhesive layers, which may be applied using a vacuum-bag heat blanket repair-style process, a PSA adhesive layer, or a thermoplastic adhesive layer. Other adhesive layers 85 are also possible.

[0036] Embodiments of the disclosed system may also comprise thermoplastic or thermosetting heating layer 100 comprising magnetic particles within. In some embodiments, heating layer 100 may be applied to an applique as an integral adhesive layer. In other embodiments, such as the ones shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, heating layer 100 may be integrated into the applique stackup using one or more adhesive layers 85. Some factors affecting whether the heating layer 100 is integral or layered with adhesive layers 85 may include economic factors, desired integration point factors (e.g., bonding of the LSP 70 layer occurring at a wing 20 assembly or during a final aircraft 10 assembly), as well as other factors.

[0037] As shown for the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4C, some appliques for uses such as surface protection, aerodynamics, or the like may comprise a surface layer 88 that covers the desired portion(s) of the surface 90. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 4C an integral adhesive and heating layer 110 is shown. Of course, other configurations, such as using separate adhesive layers 85 and heating layers 100 shown in FIGS. 4A-4B are also possible for these embodiments.

[0038] Embodiments of the heating layer 100 may comprise any suitable thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer or resin. For some embodiments and applications a softening point above 275 F. is desirable for in-service considerations, as well as, to allow for integration using 250 degree F. curing epoxy adhesives. For some embodiments, it is desirable to use a film with a reasonable mix of ductility and chemical resistance, and one which does not require an excessive temperature increase in order to soften/melt. Fluorinated thermoplastics such as Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF, Melt Point 350 F.), Ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE, Melt Point 430 F.) or Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP, Melt Point 500 F.) are all possible materials for use in heating layer 100. Other embodiments also exist.

[0039] Embodiments of heating layer 100 also comprise magnetic material 105 embedded in the thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of alternative embodiments of heating layer 100 illustrating magnetic material 105 within. In some embodiments, magnetic material 105 may comprise a magnetic alloy (e.g., a NiFe alloy such as Alloy 30, Alloy 31, Alloy 32, Alloy 34, Alloy 36, or the like). In some embodiments it is desirable to select the magnetic material 105 with a Curie point temperature that is in the range of the adhesive layer 85 softening temperature.

[0040] In addition, magnetic material 105 may be incorporated into heating layer 100 in any suitable manner. For example, magnetic material 105 may comprise chopped fibers 111, flakes 120, small particles 130, or the like. In some embodiments magnetic material 105 may comprise inch long, 1 mil diameter chopped alloy wires compatible with adhesive films and with composite structure. The magnetic material 105 may be mixed with adhesive at a few percent by volume. Other embodiments are also possible.

[0041] Embodiments of methods to implement the disclosed system are as follows. It is known that application of a varying frequency magnetic field will cause some magnetic materials 105 to generate heat. Typically, the magnetic material 105 will heat up until it reaches a temperature determined by its Curie point. After that Curie point is reached, the heat generated by the magnetic material 105 levels off even if continued application of the varying frequency magnetic field persists. This is illustrated in FIG. 6 which is a plot of temperature over time for the application of a varying frequency magnetic field to a magnetic material 105. By selecting a magnetic material 105 with a Curie point temperature in the range of the softening point for adhesive layer 85, then application of a varying magnetic field will generate heat in the magnetic material 105 and consequently soften the bonding of the adhesive layer 85.

[0042] An exemplary heating using a varying magnetic field to soften loaded adhesive may be carried out as follows. A heating layer 100 is fabricated using a resin and Alloy 36. A spiral coil is used to create a varying magnetic field. In one embodiment the varying field of 15 kHz, 20 mT is generated uniformly using a AC source generator and a spiral coil. Other coils or methods of generating the varying magnetic field may be also implemented. The heat production in the heating layer 100 is measured over time (resulting in a plot similar to FIG. 6). An applique of the heating layer 100 and adhesive layer 85 is constructed and when the varying magnetic field is applied, sufficient softening of the adhesive layer 85 occurs to de-bond the applique. Other methods of de-bonding through application of a varying magnetic field may also be used.

[0043] In this manner, selective heating of a loaded heating layer 100 provides for a very rapid and control de-bonding of two substrates bonded by that layer. Further, implementation of the above described method also enables direct heating of the heating layer 100 only without overheating the polymer or substrates (e.g., surface 90). This is due to the fact that the heating layer 100 will stabilize at the limit temperature due to Curie point (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6). Embodiments of the disclosed system and method have also been found to operate relatively quickly and adhesive layers 85 have been found to heat to the selected Curie temperature (150 F., 350 F., 450 F., etc.) in about 3 minutes. Implementation of the disclosed systems and methods also allows de-bonding of appliques without the need to implement finicky and time-consuming heat blankets to de-bond adhesive layers.

[0044] In some embodiments, the varying magnetic field may be created using a hand-held coil, a robotically operated coil, or some other form of field generating mechanisms to heat the thermoplastic layer 100. Then, as the adhesive layer 85 softens, the LSP layer 70, or surface layer 88, may be removed, repaired, or replaced by peeling or the like.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method to manufacture an applique in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown at 200, a lightning strike protection (LSP) layer (e.g., LSP layer 70) may be included as part of an applique. At 210 a heating layer (e.g., heating layer 100) may be coupled to the LSP layer to form part of an applique stack. At 220 an adhesive layer (e.g., TSA layer, PSA layer, thermoplastic layer, etc.) may be coupled to the applique stack. While, the above-described embodiment implies an order to the manufacture of the applique layers, the present disclosure is not so limited and any other ordering of the creation of the applique layers may be implemented.

[0046] This invention provides improved mechanical properties over the entire temperature range of interest while still supporting and improving on the removability characteristics provided by the current approach.

[0047] Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments that are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, including embodiments that do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are also within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by reference to the appended claims and equivalents thereof.