Abstract
Experimental methods including amplitude fluctuation electronic speckle pattern interferometry (AF-ESPI) and modal testing are combined herein to investigate the patching efficiency of an edge-cracked aluminium alloy plate repaired using a composite patch. In order to optimise the patching geometry, the dimensions of composite patch were selectively extended along the planform dimensions (x and y), respectively. By virtue of clear variations in mode shapes arising from different patches, preferred composite patches were determined for each mode. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd.