Abstract
In this study, a new approach is applied to compare the performances of single sided and double-sided symmetric composite patch with circular shape for repairing cracked aircraft structures. This is an approach that consists to evaluate the mass gain eventually obtained by the use of double symmetric composite patch if the two patch configurations give the same stress intensity factor at the crack tip. The three-dimensional finite elements method is used to compute the stress intensity factor. The obtained results show that the use of the double patch technique leads to a significant reduction of the stress intensity at the crack tip. The mass gain eventually given by the double patch technique can be very significant and this gain depends on the patch shape and the adhesive properties. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.