
Structural Repair of Defense Assets
SERDP, Weapons Systems and Platforms Program Area
Released October 24, 2019
Closed January 7, 2020
FY 2021
The objective of this Statement of Need (SON) was to identify and develop sustainable field repair technologies for damaged or corroded materials in advanced generation 5 and future aircraft composite and metallic structure and components. The proposed repair technology was required to restore component strength without compromising chemical and mechanical properties. An ideal structural repair would have returned the component to its original operational dimensions and performance (including strength, fatigue, stiffness, corrosion resistance). Repair technologies developed in response to this SON could be used in the depot, in the field, or in situ on the defense asset. Specific parameters of interest were described in more detail below:
- Capability: Repair technologies of interest include methods for repairing components made of alloys, composites, or other structural materials. Repairs that can be made in a timely manner in the field and in difficult-to-reach locations on the weapon system are of high interest to the Department of Defense.
- Performance: The mechanical and chemical performance characteristics of the repaired area should ideally be equivalent to that of the original material, but repairs that restore a significant proportion of the original properties would be acceptable. Repaired areas should therefore have minimal knock-down in strength and fatigue life, and acceptable corrosion and stress corrosion cracking performance, all of which may require additional coatings and surface treatments after repair. The repair technology should show environmental savings while restoring the original dimensions of the component.
- Hazardous Materials: The repair technology should not introduce new hazardous materials or create hazardous wastes, unless the hazards can be properly contained. Neither the repaired area nor repair technology should create additional operational or maintenance risks beyond those currently baselined.
Proposals should have included an estimate of the environmental benefits as well as the maximum strength/fatigue debit target for typical repairs, a proposed quality assurance approach, and a task to conduct a lifecycle Sustainability Analysis that could mature as the technology advances through the acquisition process. This approach aims to develop and document a data set at each stage of research and development, which can be used to make informed decisions and streamline transition into an acquisition program. The Sustainability Analysis must include data to inform the user community: the goal and scope of the analysis; the relevant inputs and outputs; and an estimate of life cycle impacts and costs.
Funded projects will appear below as project overviews are posted to the website.