FATIGUE CRACK GROWTH RATE OF ADHESIVELY REPAIRED THIN ALUMINIUM PANELS IN GENERAL MIXED MODE CONDITION

In this paper, finite element fatigue crack growth rate of thin aluminium panels containing a central inclined crack of 45o with single-side glass/epoxy patch are performed considering the general mixed-mode conditions (modes I, II and III). These panels are repaired with the 4 layers glass/epoxy composite materials with the lay-up configurations of [90]4, [105]4, [-45]4, [-45/+45]2, and [902/02]. Effects of patch lay-up configuration on the restarting crack growth (crack re-initiation) life and crack growth rate of the repaired panels are investigated. Also the effects of patch lay-up configurations on the crack trajectories at patched and un-patched surfaces of the repaired panels are investigated. Results shown that, using the patch lay-up configurations of [90]4 and [902/02] are more efficient than the patch lay-ups perpendicular to the initial inclined crack in term of crack growth life extension.

Keywords:

Repair , Aluminium , General mixed , mode