Performance assessment and optimization of hybrid composite patch repair of aircraft structure

Abstract

Purpose

In this article, a novel hybrid composite patch consisting of unidirectional carbon fiber and glass fiber is considered for repair of the aircraft structure. The purpose of this paper is to assess the performance of hybrid composite patch repair of cracked structure and propose an optimized solution to a designer for selection of the appropriate level of a parameter to ensure effective repair solution.

Design/methodology/approach

Elastic properties of the hybrid composites are estimated by micromechanical modeling. Performance of hybrid composite patch repair is evaluated by numerical analysis of stress intensity factor (SIF), shear stress, and peel stress. Design of experiment is used to determine responses for a different combination of design parameters. The second-order mathematical model is suggested for SIF and peel stress. Adequacy of the model is checked by ANOVA and used as a fitness function. Multiobjective optimization is carried out with a genetic algorithm to arrive at the optimal solution.

Findings

The hybrid composite patch has maintained equilibrium between the SIF reduction and rise of the peel stress. The repair efficiency and repair durability can be ensured by selection of an optimum value of volume fraction of glass fiber, applied stress, and adhesive thickness.

Originality/value

The composite patch with varying stiffness is realized by hybridization with different volume fraction of fibers. Analysis and identification of optimum parameter to reduce the SIF and peel stress for hybrid composite patch repair are presented in this article.

Citation

Makwana, A.H. and Shaikh, A.A. (2020), "Performance assessment and optimization of hybrid composite patch repair of aircraft structure", Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, Vol. 16 No. 5, pp. 887-913. https://doi.org/10.1108/MMMS-03-2019-0052