Use of adhesives in repair of cracks in ship structures

Abstract

The structures of modern warships frequently contain significant quantities of aluminium alloy: a material especially prone to fatigue induced cracking. The satisfactory repair of such cracks is often vital if the fighting efficiency of a warship is to be maintained properly and would usually be carried out by welding. The welding of aluminium and its alloys is often difficult and onboard is further complicated by the necessity to remove inflammable linings, cables, and items of equipment to reduce the fire risk and provide access for the repair. Consequently, repair welds are often carried out from the most accessible side and are seldom full penetration. The finished weld is invariably little more than a sealant with a fatigue life inferior to that of the original plate. Initiation of further cracking in the repair weld can be prevented by adhesively bonding a reinforcement across the weld to provide a strength at least as good as that of the original plate and a stiffness sufficient to prevent the onset of further cracking. The use of adhesively bonded steel and carbon fibre patches in typical ship applications are described and the factors governing patch design, methods of surface preparation to ensure good bond durability in a marine environment, and choice of adhesives are discussed.MST/834