ABSTRACT
The application of advanced materials in components and structures has evolved due to the need to reduce structural weight and improve performance. Other attributes of composite materials, such as corrosion resistance, excellent surface profiles, enhanced fatigue resilience, and tailored performance, have also been significant contributors to the rapid rise in composite materials application. As a result, these new materials are required to perform at higher stress levels than previous applications while also providing adequate levels of damage tolerance. Advanced composite materials provide the necessary damage tolerance through relatively low, applied design strains. However, defects and damage still occur in composite materials, and it is the assessment of defect and damage criticality and the subsequent repair requirements that are currently challenging for operators of composite materials.
