Effect of simple repair using resin on fatigue life of A6063 aluminum alloy with a simulated crack

In recent times, the use of aluminum alloys in large-scale structures has been widely advocated. In view of the maintenance and administration of these structures, the implementation of a simple repair methodology holds immense significance. It is imperative to clearly elucidate this methodology and its fatigue-life extension effect. In our study, we examined the effect of a simple repair technique using resin on the fatigue life of aluminum alloys featuring simulated cracks. Our findings confirm the following four points: Firstly, the fatigue life of repaired specimens increased by up to 1.8 times. Secondly, the initiation and growth life of cracks were extended in the repaired specimens. Thirdly, the crack growth rate in the specimens was slower, and fourthly, the striation width was smaller in the specimens. These results strongly suggest that the wedge effect of the resin has suppressed fatigue crack initiation and propagation.