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Repair of Mis-drilled Holes by Cold Welding
Completed
TRL 2 (started at 1, targeting 2)
Description
This project will perform lab research and testing to determine feasibility of cold welding rivets to repair mis-drilled holes. Cold welding is possible, however the specific application to repair of structural components and an understanding of the strength capabilities has not yet been established.
Benefits
The innovation has the potential to reduce or eliminate schedule risk, structural risks to human and assets, improve confidence in and substantiation of repairs, reduce time and monetary cost to refabricate, and reduce engineering time. In addition, the repair has the potential to restore full material strength.
Details
| Technology area | Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing |
| Program | Center Innovation Fund: AFRC CIF (AFRC CIF) |
| Lead organization | Armstrong Flight Research Center, Edwards, CA |
| Start date | 2023-10-01 |
| End date | 2024-09-30 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 2) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.