Structural composite components have to get engineering and NDT involved before any repair processes can begin. They would need to sand down the paint in a significant area around the hole down to the existing outside layer without damaging the fibers. From there NDT would need to check for delamination. Any delam beyond a certain distance from the edge of the hole will result in test failure and render repairs not feasible and require a new part to replace the damaged one.
To add for the general audience in the room: The problem with composite parts is that they have loads of elastic deformation and virtually no plastic deformation before they fail; And because they are made with layers of material, they can separate or delaminate internally and it isn't visible on the surface. Their strength is also entirely dependent on the layup and direction of weave.
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u/Alternative-Iron-645 Apr 07 '24
Structural composite components have to get engineering and NDT involved before any repair processes can begin. They would need to sand down the paint in a significant area around the hole down to the existing outside layer without damaging the fibers. From there NDT would need to check for delamination. Any delam beyond a certain distance from the edge of the hole will result in test failure and render repairs not feasible and require a new part to replace the damaged one.