Determination of SIF for patched crack in aluminum plates by the combined finite element and genetic algorithm approach

In this paper, the finite element method is used to analyze the behaviour of repaired cracks in 2024-T3 aluminum with bonded patches made of unidirectional composite plates. The problem is considered in Mode I condition. First the K I stress intensity factor (SIF) is calculated by the finite element method using displacement correlation technique. Different plate and patch thicknesses and crack lengths are considered in the analyses. Then an equation is determined by using genetic algorithms for the calculation of stress intensity factor without any further finite element analysis. The equation gives reasonably accurate results. © Journal Compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd