Sequential ultrasonic spot welding of thermoplastic composites: An experimental study on the welding process and the mechanical behaviour of (multi-)spot welded joints

The popularity of thermoplastic composites (TPCs) has been growing steadily in the last decades in the aircraft industry. This is not only because of their excellent material properties, but also owing to their fast and cost-effective manufacturing process. Fusion bonding, or welding, is a typical joining method for TPCs due to the intrinsic...