| 摘要 |
The method comprises introducing a tip 40 of a solid phase welding tool 126 between adjacent surfaces of a crack 132 formed in an aircraft skin. The tool 126 is then operated to produce a friction stir weld so as to weld the adjacent surfaces together and thereby repair the crack 132. Apparatus for performing the method comprises a base 50 having carriage 55 thereon, the arm 76 being pivotally mounted on the carriage 55 and supporting the friction stir welding tool 126. The position of an arm 76 can be adjusted by a screw 94 which drives the rotating tip 40 of friction stir welding tool 126 into the crack 132 to be repaired. The carriage 55 is then moved along the base 50 to draw the tip 40 along the crack. The apparatus is portable and is particularly useful for repairing a cracked skin on an aircraft. <IMAGE> |
