Experimental investigation and numerical simulation on mechanical properties of notched metallic panels repaired with bonded composite patch

Static strength tests of notched aluminum alloy panels repaired with bonded composite patch were conducted to determine the load-displacement curves and to understand failure mode and mechanism as well as to investigate the effects of the behaviour of adhesives, mechanical properties and thickness of composite patch on static strength of repaired panels. The three-dimensional finite element model was established to simulate the load-displacement curves and stress patterns of repaired panel, demonstrating the valid and practical use of the proposed model. From the simulated stress patterns and strength criterion as well as failure mode, location and strength were predicted, and the obtained results have a good agreement with the experiments.