A finite element model for single-sided crack patchings

Abstract A finite element model is established for analyzing the behavior of cracked plates which are repaired with a single-sided patch. The formulation is based on the Reissner-Mindlin plate theory with an assumed variation of the transverse shear and normal stresses through the thickness of the cracked -plate and patch. The generalized stress-strain relations relating the transverse shear stress resultants and the adhesive stresses to the displacements of the plate and patch are established by using a variational principle. By means of the finite element model presented herein, single-sided crack patching problems can be solved with a reasonable estimate of the adhesive stresses and the stress intensity factor. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effects of the patch size on the stress intensity factor in the cracked plate and the stress distribution in the adhesive layer, and compared with results from the previous analysis.