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When defense assets undergo structural repair, it is often due to corrosion. Although many technologies can remove and replace corroded material, these processes can reduce component strength or dimension. Welding, coating technologies, adhesives, and laser treatments have all demonstrated useful methods in recovering components, but drawbacks remain for each approach. Component removal and replacement are also costly and laborious processes that render defense assets unavailable for extended periods of time.
In 2021, SERDP research initiatives aim to identify and develop sustainable field repair technologies for damaged or corroded materials in advanced generation five and future aircraft composite and metallic structure or components. The following new projects are funded to produce repair technologies for use in the depot, field, or in situ on the defense asset that restore component strength and dimension without compromising chemical and mechanical properties.
Technologies that avoid replacement of damaged materials and parts reduce the environmental, safety, occupational and health risks associated with manufacturing and repair processes. SERDP research is developing smarter processes that simplify work schedules, cut costs, and reduce hazardous conditions to ensure higher operational readiness for all installations and warfighters.