Adhesive Bonded Patch Repair

Cracks in structures provide many challenges in terms of continued operation of equipment. One current area of research is the use of adhesive bonded patch repairs to ensure structural integrity. This may be either a short term measure until permanent repair can be effected, or a permanent repair expected to last for the remaining life of the component. The purpose of the repair is to reduce the stress intensity factors along the crack front thus reducing or eliminating additional crack growth. The benefit is the economical saving gained by keeping a component in service.

The model shown below represents a crack at a weld location between two plates. This type of analysis can be used to investigate effects such as the required size and thickness of patch required to facilitate an effective repair.