Evaluation of Stress Intensity Factor in a Center Cracked Curved Plate Repaired with Stop Holes, Composite Patch, and Hybrid Methods

Stop holes and composite patches are the most important methods used to repair cracked plates. In this research, using a 3D finite element method and considering different materials for a composite patch, the effect of separate and simultaneous use of stop holes and composite patch (one-sided and two-sided) on the reduction of SIF in a cracked curve plate is investigated. The best position and arrangement of crack stop holes and the best dimensions and material used for the composite patch are determined. Then, the effect of the radius of curvature of the plate on the efficiency of various repair methods is investigated. The results show that with increasing the radius of curvature of the plate, the SIF value decreases in all repair methods and the efficiency of the patch improves in the cases of using the patch or the hybrid method. Besides, from the radius of curvature of approximately 5 meters onwards, a further increase in the radius of curvature does not affect the efficiency of various repair methods. Simultaneous use of the graphite-epoxy double-sided patch and stop holes reduces SIF by 79.9% compared to unrepaired condition.