Bond Joint Analysis of Thermoplastic Composite Made from Stacked Tailored Blanks

Abstract

The interlaminar properties of a bond joint of stacked layers in a carbon fibre-reinforced composite with a thermoplastic matrix were evaluated under static loading. The un-precracked tension specimen with an external reinforcing layer was analysed in detail in the area of a bond joint. A detailed finite element method (FEM) analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of the bond joint shape on the interlaminar cohesive forces, which are simulated using the cohesive zone model (CZM). Simple lap and tapered joints were analysed. Continuum and shell elements were utilized in the FEM analysis, and the delamination results obtained using both solutions were compared to each other; however, no significant influence of the bond joint shape on the delamination onset was observed. The FEM analysis was supported using an experimental test on an un-precracked specimen made from prepreg with a carbon fibre fabric and a polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) matrix.