Fatigue crack growth characterization of composite-to-steel bonded interface using ENF and 4ENF tests

In this paper, mode II fatigue crack growth properties of the composite-to-steel interface are characterised through different test configurations, namely ENF and 4ENF tests. Different loading types including force control and displacement control methods are compared. An innovative shear strain based method is proposed for monitoring the...

Influence of surface roughness on the mode II fracture toughness and fatigue resistance of bonded composite-to-steel joints

Hybrid bi-material concepts in engineering structures where fibre-polymer composites are used together with steel structural members have potential to reduce material usage, extend fatigue life and improve structural reliability. The bond performance of the bi-material composite-to-steel interface is of crucial importance and highly relies on...

Influence of steel yielding and resin toughness on debonding of wrapped composite joints

The concept of an innovative bonded joining technology where welding is not required is presented as an alternative to traditional welded connection for steel circular hollow section (CHS). Wrapped composite joints have potential to greatly improve fatigue endurance when applied in multi-membered truss structures, e.g. offshore jackets for...

Interfacial fatigue debonding retardation in wrapped composite joints: Experimental and numerical study

Debonding crack propagation at the composite-to-steel interface has been found to be an important failure mechanism for wrapped composite joints under static and fatigue loads. Friction at the interface behind the crack tip may deviate fatigue debonding of the joints from the linear-fracture-mechanics behaviour. This paper presents static and...

DIC-based monitoring on debonding crack propagation in wrapped composite joints

Wrapped composite joint is an innovative technique which connects steel hollow sections through bonding such that the fatigue performance is improved compared to welded joint. In this paper, a DIC-based method of monitoring surface strains is proposed to quantify the debonding crack propagation within the composite wrap layers during high cycle...

Combined DIC and FEA method for analysing debonding crack propagation in fatigue experiments on wrapped composite joints

Wrapped composite joint is a novel joining technology which connects steel hollow sections through bonding, completely avoiding the welding in the load transferring mechanism. Fatigue performance of wrapped joints has been experimentally shown to be superior over their welded counterparts. Aiming to enable development of prediction methods...

Fatigue behaviour of non-welded wrapped composite joints for steel hollow sections in axial load experiments

Design and execution of fatigue load dominated circular hollow section (CHS) multi-membered structures, such as offshore jacket and floating structures for wind turbines, truss bridges, etc., is hinged on fatigue performance of critical welded joints. An innovative jointing technology of wrapped composite joint connects steel hollow sections by...