Stress intensity factor estimation of repaired aluminum plate with bonded composite patch by combined genetic algorithms and FEM under temperature effects

Abstract

The finite element method (FEM) is used to analyze the behavior of repaired cracks in 2024-T3 aluminum with bonded patches made of unidirectional composite plates. Different plate thicknesses, number of patch layers, temperatures and crack lengths are considered in the analyses. Firstly, the KI stress intensity factor (SIF) is calculated by the finite element method using displacement correlation technique. Secondly, non-linear estimation models are developed using genetic algorithms (GA). The developed models are validated with experimental and numerical data. A genetic algorithm patch design (GAPD) is developed to estimate the stress intensity factor without any further finite element analysis.