Mechanical characterization of hybrid lattice-to-steel joint with pyramidal CFRP truss for marine application.

As a novel type of composite structure in recent years, lattice structure with carbon fiber pyramidal truss core being applied to vessel superstructure because of its high stiffness ratio and strength ratio, structure design is the key to joint between superstructure and main hull. To investigate the mechanical property of hybrid joint and to solve the problem of engineering application, two kinds of specimens of hybrid joints are designed and their compressive and flexural properties are tested through experiments. Experimental result shows that lattice structure is weakest when joint carries in-plane compressive load and debonding induced by core macro-shear and facesheet wrinkling can result in buckling. When load alters to out-of-plane normal force, facesheet delamination becomes main failure mode, occurring where stiffness mutation of joint structure turns up, and bearing reaction can bring about resin base of lattice core fracture, further leading to debonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]