Finite Element and Analytical Analysis of Cracks in Thick Stiffened Plates Repaired with a Single Sided Composite Patch

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to investigate crack growth behavior in thick stiffened aluminum plates repaired with a single-sided composite patch. A model was developed using finite element analysis that extracted the mode I strain energy release rate (SERR) with use of the Virtual Crack Closure Technique. The dimensions and spacing of the stiffeners were varied to determine their effect on reducing the SERR. This model was also compared to an unstiffened model and one without a composite patch. A tensile load and a bending moment were both applied to the model for various configurations. These results were then used to develop an analytical model that can be used to predict the effectiveness of a patched surface.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2014
Accession Number
ADA608123

Entities

People

  • Benjamin L. Hall

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Ground and Sea Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Bending Moments
  • Bending Stress
  • Composite Materials
  • Composite Structures
  • Crack Tips
  • Engineering
  • Finite Element Analysis
  • Fracture (Mechanics)
  • Geometry
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Mechanics
  • Modulus Of Elasticity
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Stiffening
  • Stress Corrosion Cracking
  • Three Dimensional

Readers

  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
  • Hydraulic Engineering.
  • Structural Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Space