Abstract
The fatigue life of a thin pre-cracked aluminum alloy panel, repaired with CFRP patches was investigated. Aluminum alloy 6061-T6 plate having a center crack (20 mm) was repaired by varying no. of CFRP patches made of several UD CFRP plies. Asymmetrically bonded CFRP patched specimen were prepared using VARTM (Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding). Different configurations of CFRP plies were tested with changes in stiffness ratio and environment temperature mainly at 80°C and room temperature. Using a computerized axial fatigue test machine the specimens were loaded under tension – tension fatigue load. Fatigue testing was carried out at 50% of yield strength of skin made of Al 6061-T6 alloy. Frequency of 9 Hz and Stress ratio, R = 0.1 were maintained throughout the experimentation. A set of three specimens under each temperature condition and patch configuration were tested and results were recorded. Fatigue crack propagation cycles till final failure, Nf of the specimen was monitored. The numerical simulations were carried out to find SIF at various crack lengths. The results were compared with experimental results. The tested specimens at elevated temperature showed an increase in fatigue cycles compared to room temperature specimens.
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