Optimization of Reinforcing Patch Effects on Cracked Plates Using Analytical Modeling and Taguchi Design.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Structural Integrity

Background:

• Composite materials are widely used for repairing cracked structural plates.
• Understanding mode-I crack opening displacement is crucial for preventing structural failure under tension loads.
• Previous research focused on analytical solutions for crack repair, but optimization was less explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the mode-I crack displacement of the stress intensity factor (SIF) using analytical modeling and an optimization method.
• To analyze the mitigation of SIF in cracked aluminum plates with composite patches.
• To optimize SIF reduction using the Taguchi design method.

Main Methods:

• An analytical solution for an edge crack in a rectangular aluminum plate with single- and double-sided quasi-isotropic patches was derived using linear elastic fracture mechanics and Rose's analytical approach.
• The Taguchi design optimization technique was employed to identify optimal parameters for SIF reduction.
• A parametric study was conducted to assess SIF mitigation through analytical modeling.

Main Results:

• The study successfully determined and optimized the SIF for repaired cracked plates.
• Analytical modeling demonstrated the effectiveness of composite patches in mitigating SIF.
• The Taguchi design provided an optimized solution for SIF reduction based on key parameters.

Conclusions:

• The developed analytical model and optimization technique effectively determine and minimize SIF in cracked structural plates.
• This approach offers an energy- and cost-efficient strategy for structural damage control.
• The findings contribute to enhancing the safety and longevity of structures repaired with composite materials.