Abstract
Defective metallic components and structures are being repaired with bonded composite patches to improve overall mechanical and fatigue properties. In this study, fatigue crack growth tests were conducted on pre-cracked 7075/T6 Aluminum substrates with and without bonded Boron/epoxy patches. A considerable increase in the fatigue life and a decrease in the stress intensity factor (SIF) were observed as the number of patch plies increased. The experimental results demonstrate that the patch configurations and patch thickness can enhance fatigue life by order of magnitude. Quantitative comparisons between analytical and experimental data were made, and the analytical model based on a modified Rose's analytical solution appears to best estimate the fatigue life.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 277-286 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Structural Engineering and Mechanics |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2004 |
| Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Building and Construction
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering