Effects of composite repair region on fracture mechanics

In this study, the crack tip stress intensity factor of an isotropic plate which was repaired by using both one side and other side of the rectangular composite patch was calculated numerically under tensile load effect. The variable parameters such as patch thickness, width of patch and crack length were investigated onto this isotropic plate. Different conditions for these parameters were analyzed and the results were compared each other. The values of stress intensity factors were solved as linear elastic and the results were compared by using analytical calculations. Only a quarter of the plate was considered due to the symmetry of the plate. The crack tip stress intensity factors were solved by using a commercial software, ANSYS which was a finite element programme and they were modeling as the cracked plate. Results were presented in the graphics and tables. The results are in a good agreement with previous studies and analytical solutions. Unpatched model was also analyzed and the results were compared to the one obtained by patched model. Optimum patch conditions were discussed based on the numerical and experimental results given in our study.