A Failure Analysis of Hybrid Bolted-Bonded Vertical T and L Joints with Composite Adherends Subjected to Axial and Bending Loads.

Employing the ANSYS Workbench software and a 3D finite-element simulation, a failure analysis of hybrid bonded-bolted vertical T and L joints, with laminated composite adherends, subjected to axial and bending loads is performed. First, the convergence behavior of the joints are examined to select an appropriate and optimized number of elements and then the failure study of each T and L hybrid composite joint for three quasi-static loading cases are performed in three steps, to determine the failure load and failure mode in each case. To demonstrate the validity and precision of the simulations presented, the results obtained are compared with the numerical and experimental data available in the literature. Results indicated that the effectiveness of replacing a bonded joint with a vertical hybrid joint depended on the failure mode. Generally, if the damage mode was delamination of adherend layers or failure of the adhesive layer, this replacement led to significant saving in the cost of raw materials and production and reduced the weight of the joint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]