Multi-spot ultrasonic welding of thermoplastic composite single-lap joints
Effect of spot spacing and number of spots on weld strength
T. Zhao (TU Delft - Structural Integrity & Composites)
I. Tsakoniatis (TU Delft - Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies)
CD Rans (TU Delft - Structural Integrity & Composites)
I. F. Villegas (TU Delft - Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies)
R. Rinze (TU Delft - Structural Integrity & Composites)
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Abstract
Thermoplastic composite spot welded joints are more well-suited for carrying shear load rather than peel load. However, peel load is difficult to be eliminated in single-lap joint configuration. In this paper, a series of mechanical tests were carried out to study the effects of the spot spacing and the number of welded spots on the secondary bending and subsequently on the strength of the multi-spot welded joints. Based on that, a comparative study was performed on the load-carrying capability of multi-spot welded and mechanically fastened joints assembled with multi-row fasteners. It was found that, by increasing the spot spacing and the number of welded spots, the secondary bending of the multi-spot welded joints can be effectively decreased, which eventually results in a comparable load-carrying capability with respect to the mechanically fastened joints.