System for Repairing Cracks in Structures

Abstract

A first material with a known maximum temperature of operation is coated with a second material on at Least one surface of the first material. The coating has a melting temperature that is greater than the maximum temperature of operation of the first material. The coating is heated to its melting temperature until the coating flows into any cracks in the first material's surface.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is: 
     
         1 . A crack repairable system, comprising:
 a metallic structure with a known maximum temperature of operation; and   a metallic coating on at least one surface of said metallic structure, said metallic coating having a melting temperature greater than said maximum temperature of operation wherein, when cracks are present in said at least one surface, said metallic coating is heated to said melting temperature thereof until said metallic coating flows into the cracks.   
     
     
         2 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one surface of said metallic structure is selected from the group consisting of titanium alloys and aluminum alloys. 
     
     
         3 . A system as in  claim 2 , wherein said metallic coating comprises an alloy of indium and tin. 
     
     
         4 . A system as in  claim 1 , wherein said metallic structure further has a known aging criteria temperature associated therewith, and wherein said melting temperature of said metallic coating is less than said aging criteria temperature.