What is the preferred method for making permanent repairs on composite structures?

The preferred method for making permanent repairs on composite structures involves laminating on new repair plies. This technique is advantageous because it maintains the integrity and properties of the composite material. When new plies are added, they effectively restore the original structural characteristics of the composite, providing strength and durability to the repaired area. Additionally, laminating allows for the repair to be integrated seamlessly into the existing structure, which helps in distributing loads effectively and minimizes stress concentrations.

Using adhesive bonding, while useful in certain contexts, does not replace the structural integrity that can be achieved through the mechanical connection and load distribution offered by lamination. Patching with screws, although it can provide a quick fix, does not create a structural bond in the same way that laminating does and can introduce points of failure. Utilizing fiberglass cloth and resin, on the other hand, may be a method for repairs, but it often does not involve integrating new plies as effectively as the lamination process does in preserving the composite's structural characteristics. Thus, the lamination method is considered the most effective for ensuring long-lasting and reliable repairs in composite structures.