Study on the buckling behavior of aluminum alloy sheets - before and after repaired with composite patches

In this paper, the compressive buckling behavior of aluminum alloy plates with an elliptical hole of various sizes is investigated. In order to improve the stability of these thin plates, T700/QY8911 composite laminate is used as a patch to repair the hole. The study included an analysis of the critical and post-critical behaviour using experimental and numerical methods. Experiments focus on buckling loads, post-buckling behavior and the relationship between sizes of holes and buckling load. Meanwhile, the buckling load and buckling mode are determined by finite element analysis, using linear analysis of eigenvalue problems modes, and then, the nonlinear analysis of structures with initiated geometrically imperfection is carried out, studying its postbuckling behavior, damage behavior and transfer of load. The results show that the buckling load of the open-hole specimen is related to size of opening. The existence of patch has a significant influence on stress distribution, and the buckling capability of repaired specimens is noticeably improved to the plate without a hole. And the compression experimental results are consistent with the numerical results, revealing that the developed finite element model of the structure is correct.