ANALYTICAL AND NUMERICAL ANALYSES OF THE DAMAGE IN REPAIRED PLATES WITH DOUBLE COMPOSITE PATCH AND STIFFENERS UNDER TENSILE LOAD

Abstract This paper examines the probabilistic aspects of fracture mechanics for repaired cracks under tensile loading. Our approach utilizes a three-dimensional finite element method to evaluate the J-integral in plates that have been repaired and reinforced with bonded composite double patches and stiffeners. We analyzed the influence of crack length, patch thickness (ep), and the patch’s mechanical properties on the J-integral. The numerical results align well with analytical solutions available in the literature. The methodology includes performing elastic assessments to predict the J-integral, employing statistical models to account for uncertainties in loads and material properties, and using established computational techniques based on structural reliability theory for probabilistic analysis. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to characterize the probabilistic behavior of the J-integral. The results indicate that repaired plates exhibit greater durability than those left unrepaired.