Study of Hybrid Composite Joints with Thin-ply-reinforced Adherends under High-rate and Impact Loadings

Abstract

This research aims to examine the tensile strength of a hybrid composite laminate reinforced by thin-plies when used as an adherend in bonded single lap joints subjected to high-rate and impact loading. Two different composites, namely Texipreg HS 160 T700 and NTPT-TP415, are employed as the conventional and thin-ply composites, respectively. The study considers three configurations: a conventional composite, a thin-ply, and a hybrid single lap joint. Numerical models of the configurations are developed to provide insight into failure mechanisms and the initiation of damage. The results indicate a significant increase in tensile strength for the hybrid joints over the conventional and thin-ply joints, due to the mitigation of stress concentrations. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of hybrid laminates for improving the performance of composite joints under high-rate loading and impact conditions.

Keywords

• composite joints
• thin-ply
• single lap joints
• high-rate loading
• impact loading