Finite element analysis of failure at the aluminium-carbon fiber composite

Introduction to composite patching 1.1BackgroundThin aluminium sheets find usage in several industries that include construction, automobile and aircraft companies.These structures may be exposed to damages and defects in their service lives because of the structural loads acting on them.Due to these loads, the panels are subjected to stresses that elevate at high magnitudes of external load.These elevated stresses result in damage, mostly in the form of cracks.If these cracks go unnoticed, they have a tendency to grow rapidly beyond the threshold limit.Early detection of cracks through proper inspection can help in implementing appropriate measures for preventing crack growth and the resultant failure.Ratwani in 2000 [1] elaborated on the repair options for damaged aircraft structures and discussed various structural life enhancement methods.