Parametric Study on Scarf Patch Repairs for Shipboard Composite Structures

This study focuses on the of key engineering parameters for the repair of shipboard carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite structures using a scarf patch repair configuration. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed to systematically analyze the effects of repair location (center-symmetric, diagonal-asymmetric, and edge-unidirectional) and cut-out depth (2.0 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.0 mm) on the mechanical response of the repair structure. The results indicate that although the local stress level of the center-symmetric repair is slightly higher, it provides a continuous load transfer path with more balanced stress distribution, demonstrating the best overall mechanical performance. When the cut-out depth is 3.0 mm, the repair structure achieves an optimal balance between stress uniformity and displacement coordination, effectively reducing the risk of early adhesive layer failure and local buckling. This study identifies the optimal parameter combination for scarf patch repairs, providing important theoretical foundations and references for the design of repair processes and the standardization of engineering practices in shipboard composite structures.