Failure Characteristics of Scarf Patch-repaired Composite Single-lap Joints

Abstract

The failure strength of composite single-lap joint repaired using scarf patch was investigated by test and finite element method. A total of 45 specimens were tested changing scarf ratio, stacking pattern, and defect size to study the failure strength and mode. Except for one case, all repaired specimens showed the equal or higher strength than the sound specimens and the effect of considered repair parameters was not remarkable. It was found through the failure mode inspection that the surface treatment for bonding was not enough in the case which failed at the lower load than the sound specimen. Three-dimensional finite element analysis was conducted to verify the test results. It was confirmed that the considered repair parameters do not significantly affect the stress distribution of the specimens. It was also observed that the applied tensile load is relieved passing through the overlapped region thickness of which is almost double. From this study, it is concluded that if the bonding procedure for adherends and patch including surface treatment for fabric layer is thoroughly followed, the strength of repaired single-lap joint can be restored up to the strength of sound one.