Experimental characterization of composite and smart patching repaired edge cracked plate In Charpy impact

Abstract

In this study, edge-cracked steel plates repaired on two-sides with composite as well as smart composite patches were investigated experimentally for their response to Charpy impact test. Woven glass and Kevlar fibres were used for composite patches. Each patch was made by two layers. The crack length was kept constant for all the specimens. The types of patches were selected according to different combination of glass and/or Kevlar fibres for maximum energy absorption. Kevlar fibre composite patches showed better energy absorption. This configuration was then reinforced by shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. For fabrication of smart patches, nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) wires were embedded in the Kevlar fibre composites. The SMA wires in the patches were used in 3 different temperatures or pre-stress states. The patch of Kevlar fibre reinforced by Ni-Ti wires treated by combination of pre-load and temperature states showed better results than all other smart patches in Charpy impact test. © 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim.