Mechanical behaviour of thermoplastic composites spot-welded and mechanically fastened joints

A preliminary comparison

Journal article (2016)

Authors

T. Zhao Structural Integrity & Composites - Aerospace Engineering
G. Palardy Structural Integrity & Composites - Aerospace Engineering
I.F. Villegas Structural Integrity & Composites - Aerospace Engineering
C.D. Rans Structural Integrity & Composites - Aerospace Engineering
M.J. Martinez Clarkson University
R. Benedictus Aerospace Structures & Materials
Research Group
Structural Integrity & Composites (Aerospace Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2016 T. Zhao, G. Palardy, I.F. Villegas, C.D. Rans, M.J. Martinez, R. Benedictus
DOI
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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2016.12.028
Mechanical properties Fractography Thermoplastic resin Joints/joining
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Published Date

2016

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Department

Aerospace Structures & Materials

Research Group

Structural Integrity & Composites

Abstract

The in-plane and out-of-plane mechanical behaviour of both ultrasonically spot-welded and mechanically fastened joints was investigated by double-lap shear and pull-through tests, respectively. Spot-welded specimens showed comparable onset failure load and significantly higher joint stiffness compared to mechanical fasteners when carrying shear load. The failure modes and the damage within specimens were analysed after mechanical tests. Intralaminar failure and very limited damage on the out-most ply were found for welded specimens, whereas catastrophic through-the-thickness failure was observed for mechanically fastened joints. Based on the experimental outcomes, the mechanical performance and failure mechanisms of spot-welded joints were critically assessed in comparison to the mechanical fasteners .