3-D modelling of cyclically loaded composite patch repair of a cracked plate

A three-dimensional finite element model is utilized to capture the effects of plasticity-induced crack closure (PICC) on an adhesively bonded patch repair of a cracked plate. To accurately capture the PICC process the choice of material model employed is of significant importance, therefore this paper considers a relatively new model, the Ellyin–Xia model. The paper shows that the PICC phenomenon is beneficial to the repair.