Stress distribution in a 2024-T3 aluminum plate with a circular notch, repaired by a graphite/epoxy composite patch

The aim of this study is to analyze by finite element method the single- and double-sided composite patch repairs designed to reduce the concentration of the stresses at circular notches and cracks. The results show that there is a considerable reduction in the asymptotic value of the stress-intensity factors and the normal stresses at the crack tip. The use of a double-sided patch suppresses the bending effect due to the eccentricity of the patch on one side only and reduces the shear stresses in adhesive.