DEFECT SEALING METHOD IN MANNED SPACECRAFT SHELL Russian patent published in 2020 - IPC B23P6/00 B64G1/56 

FIELD: astronautics.

SUBSTANCE: invention can be used for sealing of through defect in manned spacecraft shell. Plug is formed by impregnation with a non-shrinking sealing composition of the central part of napkin from thinned woven material with high air permeability and hygroscopicity with formation of a spot identical to the size and depth of the through defect. Part of napkin impregnated with non-shrinking sealing composition is introduced into through defect to its entire depth by holding the napkin behind its peripheral part. At the same time, the exit of the napkin beyond the outer part of the shell of the manned spacecraft is controlled. Non-shrinking sealing composition is supplied during the time of its viability to the through defect with the help of the air expiring in vacuum until the defect is filled with excess. Then excess napkin is removed and tightness of formed cork is checked with ultrasonic leak detector. One or more layers of a non-shrinking sealing composition are applied on the formed plug and the cleaned surface around it after a specified time interval.

EFFECT: simple and reliable sealing of through defects with size of up to 10 mm.

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