Experimental and Finite Element Analysis of GFRP Composite Laminates with Combined Bolted and Bonded Joints

Abstract

The scope this research work is to develop and study the finite element analysis of GFRP composite laminates with combined bolted and bonded joint. Polymer matrix composite materials are widely used due to the reason of high strength to weight ratio. Design techniques for fastened joints have received valuable attention due to the different nature of the stress field in the proximity of the joint, the different of failure modes that can occur. A foremost goal of bolted joint research is to limit the effect of several bolting parameters on the bearing strength of the joints. These parameters such as: (a) joint geometry (b) joint configuration (c) loading condition (d) fastening parameters and (e) material parameters. The scope of the project is to examine the influence of certain factors on the strength of bolted joints in [0/90]4s GFRP composites. These features include the tightening torque (T= 15, 20, 25 & 30 Nm). The mechanical properties (Tensile & Compressive) of GFRP laminates have been examined experimentally and theoretically. From the investigational study, it is found that bolted joint and bolted - bonded joint with 6 mm diameter, 25 Nm tightening torque has the extreme strength. Most of the test specimens failed in (a) Bearing failure (b) Net tension failure (c) Shear out failure (d) Cleavage tension failure.