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September 5, 2008 2:54:01 AM CDT

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Self-Fixing Plane in the Works

Posted May 28, 08 5:55 AM CDT in Technology 

(Newser) – British aerospace engineers are working on technology that could create self-repairing aircraft, Gizmag reports. In a technique very much like nature's healing process, resin would "bleed" out of damaged parts of the plane and harden, making a damaged aircraft strong enough to continue to fly until it could be repaired properly on the ground.

The process could be used in any aircraft using fiber-based composites instead of aluminum frames, like Boeing's new 787 Dreamliner. Adding the self-healing element to the composites would make them more reliable. The engineers, who expect the technology to be ready within 4 years, say it could also be used for wind turbines, cars, and spacecraft.

Source Gizmag

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Aerospace engineers say the self-repairing technology could be used in planes made of fiber composites, like the new 787 Dreamliner, seen here under construction.   (AP Photo)
Technology to make aircraft self-healing could help remove damage and wear and tear missed during routine aircraft maintenance.   ((c) eschipul)
Mimicking nature's healing process, the technology in development would have epoxy resin "blood" seep out near damage and form a "scab" over it.   (Shutter Stock)
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airplane  • aviation  • plastic  • 787 Dreamliner  • aerospace  • aircraft  • engineering  • invention


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