Repair of delaminated beams via piezoelectric patches

Abstract

This research presents the application of piezoelectric patches in the repair of delaminated beams subjected to concentrated static loading. The singularity of the shear stresses induced by the static loading at the two tips of the delamination in the beam may result in the sliding mode of fracture. To ensure the proper functions of these beam structures, the application of smart materials in the repair of the delaminated beam structures is investigated in the research by employing the electromechanical characteristics of the piezoelectric materials. The voltage applied on the piezoelectric patches is calculated and designed to erase the shear stress singularity at the tips of the delamination so that the delaminated beam can be repaired in the sense that the sliding mode of fracture on the beam can be removed. A comprehensive mechanics analysis is provided to calculate the voltages on the piezoelectric patches. The dependence of the voltages on the location and the size of the delamination is carefully studied. Numerical simulations are conducted for the derivation of the voltages on the piezoelectric patches. The research presented serves to provide information on the design of piezoelectric materials for the repair of delaminated structures.