Comprehensive progressive damage analyses of mixed‐mode repaired panels: How composite patch sizes and layups affects restarting fatigue crack growth

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, comprehensive progressive damage analyses are performed to evaluate the effects of patch sizes and layups on restarting crack growth of single‐side repaired aluminum panels with central inclined cracks under high cycle fatigue loading. Complicated nonlinear damage behavior of adhesive bonding, composite patch, mixed‐mode cracks, and fatigue loadings require precise numerical tools to consider and analyze the coupling effects of various damages on fatigue life of such complex component. In progressive damage analysis, high cycle fatigue cohesive zone modeling is used for debonding of patch, and high cycle fatigue continuum damage model used for composite patches. Practical composite patch layups and sizes are selected in huge number of models, and the restarting crack growth life is predicted. The obtained results show the possibility of increasing the restarting crack growth life using an appropriate composite patch layup and geometry dimensions.