Pre-Cured Edge Seal

Abstract

The different illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for installing an edge seal. In one illustrative example, a pre-cured edge seal is placed on an edge of a composite structure with a sealant to form a placed pre-cured edge seal. The placed pre-cured edge seal is then cured on the composite structure. In another illustrative embodiment, an edge of a structure is prepared with solvent, and a brush coat of sealant is applied to the top and the edge of the structure. A fillet is applied to the base of the edge of the structure. A pre-cured edge seal is applied to the edge of the structure, and the edge is cured.

1 . A method for installing an edge seal, the method comprising:
 placing a pre-cured edge seal on an edge of a composite structure with a sealant to form a placed pre-cured edge seal; and   curing the placed pre-cured edge seal on the composite structure.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 applying a layer of the sealant to the base of the composite structure to form a fillet.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein placing the pre-cured edge seal on the edge of the composite structure with the sealant further comprises:
 applying a brush coat of the sealant to the composite structure; and   placing the pre-cured edge seal on the edge of the composite structure, wherein the brush coat of the sealant adheres the pre-cured edge seal to the composite structure.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the composite structure is selected from one of an aircraft structure, a wing spar, a stringer, a shear-tie, and a rib. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus comprising:
 a structure having an edge, a top, and a base;   a pre-cured edge seal having a first end and a second end attached on the edge of the structure;   a sealant located between the pre-cured edge seal and the structure, wherein the sealant attaches the pre-cured edge seal to the edge of the structure; and   a fillet located at the base of the structure.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the first end of the pre-cured edge seal forms a curved shape at the top of the structure, wherein the curved shape comes over the top of the structure to form a hook shape. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the second end of the pre-cured edge seal forms a straight edge. 
     
     
         8 . A method for installing an edge seal, the method comprising:
 preparing an edge of a structure using a solvent;   applying a brush coat of a sealant along a top and the edge of the structure;   applying a fillet of the sealant at a base of the edge of the structure;   applying a pre-cured edge seal; and   curing the edge of the structure.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the structure is selected from one of an aircraft structure, a wing spar, a stringer, a shear-tie, and a rib. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the brush coat of the sealant is an application of a thin layer of the sealant in a wet state. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the application of the fillet of the sealant is an application of the sealant in a wet state. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the application of the pre-cured edge seal is an application of the sealant in a fully cured state. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the pre-cured edge seal is formed in accordance with a number of dimensions. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the application of the pre-cured edge seal is an application of the sealant in a partially cured state. 
     
     
         15 . A method for manufacturing a pre-cured edge seal, the method comprising:
 identifying a mold for a number of dimensions of the pre-cured edge seal;   filling the mold with sealant; and   curing the sealant to form the pre-cured edge seal with the number of dimensions.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  15 , wherein the number of dimensions include at least one of a degree of thickness, a shape, and a degree of flexibility. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the pre-cured edge seal is capable of sealing a structure selected from one of an aircraft structure, a wing spar, a stringer, a shear-tie, and a rib. 
     
     
         18 . A method for manufacturing a pre-cured edge seal, the method comprising:
 partially curing a sealant to form the pre-cured edge seal;   extruding the pre-cured edge seal into a number of shapes and dimensions.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein partially curing the sealant further comprises:
 applying a curing process to the sealant; and   stopping the curing process before the sealant is fully cured to form the pre-cured edge seal, wherein the pre-cured edge seal is the sealant in a partially cured state.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the pre-cured edge seal is capable of sealing a structure selected from one of an aircraft structure, a wing spar, a stringer, a shear-tie, and a rib.