Repair method for noise suppression structure

Abstract

A method is provided for repairing a defect in a noise suppression panel. The method may be used to repair defects in a panel that may occur during the manufacture of or normal use of the panel. The method includes the steps of removing the defect from the noise suppression panel to create a cavity therein, forming material comprised of a material having acoustic damping properties into an insert configured to mate with the cavity, and placing the insert into the cavity.

1 . A method for repairing a defect in a noise suppression panel, the method comprising: 
 removing a section of the noise suppression panel that includes the defect to thereby create a cavity in the panel;    forming an insert configured to mate with the cavity from a material having acoustic damping properties; and    placing the insert at least partially within the cavity.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity and the insert each have a sidewall and the method further comprises: 
 applying a bonding agent to at least one of the sidewalls; and    adhering the insert sidewall and cavity sidewall to one another.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the bonding agent comprises one of epoxy, silicone adhesive, and ceramic cement.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity and insert are each cylindrically-shaped.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity and insert are each beveled.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity and insert are each stepped.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cavity and insert are each threaded.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the panel comprises a back plate, the method further comprising: 
 bonding the insert to the back plate.    
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the defect is removed by, and the insert is formed using, a circular saw.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the defect is removed from the panel using a contoured cutting tool.  
   
   
       11 . The method of claims  1  further comprising machining threads into the cavity and insert.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the noise suppression panel and acoustic damping material are the same material.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the acoustic damping material comprises one of an open cell foam bulk absorber material and a high temperature honeycomb material.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the noise suppression panel has a first and a second side, the method further comprising: 
 bonding a back plate to the first side of the noise suppression panel.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the back plate comprises a non-porous material.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising: 
 bonding a face plate to the second side of the noise suppression panel.    
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the face plate comprises a material that is perforated to a percent open area (POA) value greater than 30%.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the face plate comprises a screen.  
   
   
       19 . A method for repairing a defect in a noise suppression panel having a back plate, a face plate and a bulk absorber disposed therebetween, the method comprising: 
 removing at least a portion of the face plate;    removing a section of the noise suppression panel that includes the defect to thereby create a cavity in the panel;    forming an insert configured to mate with the cavity from a material having acoustic damping properties;    placing the insert into the cavity; and    bonding the insert to the back plate.    
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the acoustic damping material comprises one of an open cell foam bulk absorber material and a high temperature honeycomb material.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the bulk absorber and acoustic damping material are the same material.