APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REPAIRING DISCREPANT WELDS USING A SPECIALLY-DESIGNED MECHANICAL INTERMEDIARY

摘要

A method, for repairing a discrepant weld in a workpiece arrangement including at least two workpieces, comprising positioning a mechanical intermediary adjacent the discrepant weld and inserting the intermediary through the discrepant weld and into at least a distal workpiece of the two workpieces, wherein upon insertion, a proximate surface of the intermediary is exposed at a proximate side of the workpiece arrangement. The method further includes delivering weld energy to the intermediary. The intermediary is configured, and the weld energy provided, so that energy passes through the intermediary in a pre-determined manner. Energy passing through the intermediary in the pre-determined manner generates heat in material of the workpieces causing the material to melt at an arrangement interface. The method further comprises allowing or causing the material melted to cool, wherein the melted material, when cooled, forms and/or strengthens a robust joint connecting the workpieces.

主权项

1. A method, for repairing a discrepant weld in a workpiece arrangement including at least two workpieces, comprising:
positioning a mechanical intermediary adjacent the discrepant weld; inserting, following the positioning, the mechanical intermediary through the discrepant weld and into at least a distal workpiece of the two workpieces, wherein upon insertion, a proximate surface of the mechanical intermediary is exposed at a proximate side of the workpiece arrangement; delivering weld energy to the mechanical intermediary, wherein:
the mechanical intermediary is configured, and the weld energy provided, so that the weld energy passes through the mechanical intermediary in a pre-determined manner;the weld energy passing through the mechanical intermediary in the pre-determined manner generates heat in material of at least one of the workpieces of the arrangement adjacent the mechanical intermediary;the heat generated causes the material to melt; andthe material melts at a portion of the arrangement including an interface between the workpieces; and allowing or causing the material melted to cool, wherein the melted material, when cooled, forms and/or strengthens a robust joint connecting the workpieces.