Laser cladding as a potential repair technology for damaged aircraft components

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the preliminary work on using laser cladding technology for the restoration of structural integrity.Design/methodology/approachThe primary methodology used in this research is to develop a laser cladding‐based metal deposition technique to articulate restoration of structural geometry affected by corrosion damages. Following from this method, it is planned to undertake further work to use the laser cladding process to restore geometry and the associated static/fatigue strength.FindingsThis work has found that it is possible to use laser cladding as a repair technology to improve structural integrity in aluminium alloy aircraft structures in terms of corrosion reduction and geometrical restoration. Initial results have indicated a reduction of static and fatigue resistance with respect to substrate. But more recent works (yet to be published) have revealed improved fatigue strength as measured in comparison to the substrate structural properties.Originality/valueThe research is based on an acceptable materials processing technique.

Deep surface rolling for fatigue life enhancement of laser clad aircraft aluminium alloy

“…Recently at the Defence Science and Technology Organisation of Australia, the research has demonstrated that Laser Cladding (LC) repair technology can be used to deposit different or similar metals or alloys onto the damaged surfaces of aircraft metallic components [14][15][16]. After the surfaces were repaired using the LC technology, it was found that a relatively narrow Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) was generated in Aluminium Alloy (AA) 7075-T6 specimens by the localised and rapid fusion of materials during the LC process [17].…”

Experimental characterization of laser cladding of CPM 9V on H13 tool steel for die repair applications

“…These dies are subjected to cyclic thermo-mechanical loading resulting in localized damage such as fatigue, corrosion and wear [9]. Therefore, it is imperative to repair and restore these worn-out or damaged high cost components so as to extend the service life and thereby, reduce the overall cost multiple times [17].…”

Thermo-mechanical model for simulating laser cladding induced residual stresses with single and multiple clad beads

“…Some of these include geometrical dimension restoration for repair and remanufacturing applications (as discussed by Liu et al, 2011), surface properties enhancement when cladding with material having superior corrosion and wear properties. The finite element (FE) modeling of laser cladding processes will be useful for studying effects of process parameters on residual stress, distortion and mechanical properties.…”