Abstract: Methods of repairing damaged composites are described. The damaged composites can comprise a polymeric matrix and one or more layers of fibers (e.g., carbon or glass fibers). According to the described method, the damaged area of the composite is replaced by an insert comprising a core geometry and radial projections. The insert can comprise the same polymeric matrix and one or more layers of fibers as the original composite of the damaged composite. The method can provide a repaired composite with greater compressive strength and/or greater tensile strength than a composite repaired with a traditional patch having no radial projections.