Mechanical behaviour of thermoplastic composites spot-welded and mechanically fastened joints: A preliminary comparison

Tian Zhao, Genevieve Palardy, Irene Fernandez Villegas, Calvin Rans, Marcias Martinez, Rinze Benedictus

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

73 Citations (Scopus)
260 Downloads (Pure)

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 .
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)224-234
Number of pages30
JournalComposites Part B: Engineering
Volume112
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 2016

Keywords

  • Thermoplastic resin
  • Mechanical properties
  • Fractography
  • Joints/joining

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