An Experimental Investigation on Damage Loads of Butterfly Joints in Composite Structures

Abstract

This study is performed experimentally to investigate damage forces formed on glass-fibre laminated composite plates that are jointed with a component in the shape of butterfly. Pressing it into the mould in a hot press machine produced a glass fibre-epoxy composite plate. Specimens and locking parts in the shape of butterfly were cut using water jet. Experiments were performed in different values of the ratio of the end width of butterfly to the width of the specimen ( w/ b), the ratio of the middle width of butterfly to the end width of butterfly ( x/ w) and the ratio of the half-length of butterfly to the width of the specimen ( y/ b). Using these values, the effects of joint geometry parameters were evaluated. To be able to see the effect of material variations as well, the joint lock in the shape of butterfly was made up of both metal and composite materials. Although the loading capacity of the composite butterfly is lower than that of the metal butterfly, it carries loads for much longer times. Before a composite structure develops damage, damage occurred in the composite butterfly can be seen and, with the repair of the butterfly lock, the life of the composite structure can be extended.