A new technique, developed by Bristol University aerospace engineers, that mimics healing processes found in nature could enable damaged aircraft to mend themselves automatically, even during a flight.

If a tiny hole/crack appears in the aircraft (e.g. due to wear and tear, fatigue, a stone striking the plane etc), epoxy resin would “bleed” from embedded vessels near the hole/crack and quickly seal it up, restoring structural integrity. By mixing dye into the resin, any “self-mends” could be made to show as colored patches that could easily be pinpointed during subsequent ground inspections, and a full repair carried out if necessary.