Effect of over-ply on moisture absorption behavior of scarf-repaired composite laminate

Abstract The over-ply covering the bondline in scarf-repaired laminates can avoid direct exposure of the adhesive to moisture environment which would decrease the properties of the adhesive. The effect of the over-ply on moisture absorption behavior of scarf-repaired composite laminate was studied in this paper. 3D finite element models (FEMs) of scarf-repaired laminates with and without over-ply were established to simulate the moisture absorption behavior and verified by experimental results. Then these models were used to investigate the effects of some factors, including over-ply type, configuration, direction and number, on moisture absorption behavior of the repaired structures, especially of the adhesive. The results show that the over-ply can efficiently decelerate moisture absorption of the adhesive and delay the time of its moisture absorption equilibrium. Over-ply type has effect on moisture absorption of the adhesive. Woven over-ply is more effective to protect the adhesive in repaired laminates from moisture absorption than unidirectional over-ply. For the laminates with only large-circle bonding surface covered, over-ply lap length, configuration and direction are not very important parameters to affect the moisture absorption.