Novel concept for the manipulation of damage and in-situ repair of composite t-joints

A novel method for the in-situ repair of sub critical damage in complex composite structures (T-joints) using embedded hollow vasculature has been demonstrated. A number of configurations of vascularized T-joints have been presented and assessed for their efficacy at infiltrating damage planes. The effect of vasculature on the mechanical performance of the component was assessed both numerically and experimentally. 2D and 3D thermo-mechanical finite element (FE) analyses were performed to determine the influence of vasculature on thermal residual stresses and joint strength under 90° tensile (pull-off) loading. Failure loads and damage mechanisms observed during the mechanical testing agreed well with the analysis. All configurations of deltoid vasculature were successful in infiltrating the damage sites with an injected liquid. Further optimization is required, however, the vascularized deltoid configuration shows considerable promise for future industrial adaptation.