Analysis of hybrid joints between carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite plates and metallic inserts

Abstract

Applications of fiber-reinforced composites in engineering structures sometimes require joining with other materials such as metal components or other composites. Various joining methods such as adhesive bonding and bolting can be adopted depending on the required loading conditions, types of materials, surface conditions, and environmental factors. This study aims to model and analyze mechanical joints between carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite plates with metallic materials under out-of-plane load. Conical metallic inserts are used to transfer the load to the composite plate. The influence of the insert geometry and the adhesion parameters to the strength of the joint were studied. It should be noted that in reality the adhesion parameters, which include the strength and toughness of the interface between the composite surface and the metallic insert, can potentially be modified by using various surface treatments to the metallic insert. The results show that both the geometry of the insert and the adhesion parameters influences the strength of the joint, indicating that the mechanism of load transfer is not only through mechanical locking between the two but also through their adhesion.