A Comparative Study of Finite Element Models for the Bonded Repair of Composite Structures

In this paper, the issues surrounding the repair of composite structures have been reviewed. This review has highlighted the need for the development of analytical techniques for the design of repair schemes. The finite element method is shown to be an appropriate candidate for such a task. Modelling approaches for adhesively bonded joints are well documented in the literature. Although bonded joints and repair joints share similar features, designing repairs and bonded joints are two different tasks. The open literature on modelling approaches specifically for repair joints is not abundant. Furthermore, there is no evidence of any studies undertaken with the specific aim of looking at the fundamental aspects of applying the finite element method to the analysis of bonded repairs to composite structures. This paper highlights the philosophy behind these modelling approaches that have been used or suggested in the past. These approaches have been compared in order to gain a better understanding of the current state of affairs and how they relate to each other.