Numerical Damage Prediction of Marine Structures Reinforced by Composite Patch with XFEM and CZM Methods

The present work presents the numerical model of a marine steel with a hole repaired by a bonded composite patch. For modelling, Extended Finite Element Method (XFEM) technique is used in conjunction with the Cohesive Zone Model (CZM) to perform the damage analyses of different adhesives used in the repair of marine steels. The main objective of the study is to analyse the mechanical behaviour of the repair and compare different types of composite adhesives in order to optimize this kind of repair design. Numerical modelling is used in order to assess the stresses, strains, initiation, and propagation of damage in the repaired assembly. The mechanical performance test of the specimen proved that the mechanical performance of the repair is strongly dependent on the choice of the composite adhesive. Some adhesives possess better mechanical strength and a high resistance to damage compared to other kinds of adhesives. These results will provide important data in guiding the selection of materials for designing composite patch repairs on marine steel structures