What must be done with a damaged area in a bonded honeycomb structure before repairs?

In the context of repairing a bonded honeycomb structure, it is crucial to completely remove the damaged area before proceeding with any repairs. This procedure is necessary because leaving damaged material intact can compromise the integrity and performance of the entire structure. The honeycomb material often acts as a lightweight core; any damage could have led to delamination, cracking, or other forms of structural weakness that cannot be fixed simply by covering them up.

Removing the damaged area ensures that the repair can be done on sound material, allowing proper bonding and restoring the structure's strength. Additionally, not removing the damaged area would not allow for a thorough assessment of the structural health, possibly leading to future issues or failures.

In this scenario, sealing the damaged area, reinforcing from behind, or leaving it intact would not effectively address the underlying problems and could lead to further structural deterioration. Therefore, complete removal of the damaged section is the necessary first step in ensuring a safe and effective repair of the bonded honeycomb structure.