Abstract
This work presents a three-dimensional finite element numerical analysis of the performance of plates repaired by composite patch. The effect of the geometric shapes of the composite patches on the damaged area variation of the adhesive (FM-73) of corroded and cracked Al 2024-T3 plates, the mechanical properties of different composites and the thermal loading on the ratio of the damaged area (D-R) to the crack size were studied. The results show that glass/epoxy repaired sheets give lower K-I and D-R values than the other two composites studied, and this leads to the conclusion that glass/epoxy increases the performance and durability of Al 2024-T3 aircraft structures repaired by patch composite.