Locally refined p-FEM modeling of patch repaired plates

An accurate and practical modeling technique is proposed to analyze cracked metal plates with patch repair. In the single-model approach, a p-convergent high-precision element is developed with three-dimensional elasticity theory. Whereas, in the mixed-model approach, a p-convergent transition element is developed to connect the p-convergent high-precision elements for threedimensional response and p-convergent ESL (equivalent single layer) elements for two-dimensional response. For the developed elements, two- and three-dimensional virtual crack closure techniques based on linear elastic fracture mechanics are modified to estimate the stress intensity factor. Modeling simplicity and calculation efficiency of the mixed-model approach using the p-convergent transition elements is shown for the analysis of patch repaired plates. Some results of present analysis are verified by comparison with published results. Also, performance of analysis using the proposed technique with simplicity and efficacy of modeling is investigated for patch repaired plates with respect to a number of parameters such as thicknesses of patch and adhesive, patch size, single-sided patch vs. double-sided patch.