Abstract
This paper presents experimental and numerical investigations of the fatigue crack initiation and growth mechanism in metal-to-composite bonded double-lap joints. Fatigue tests were conducted under tension dominated loading, with crack lengths being measured optically. Examination of the fracture surface using scanning electron microscope revealed that fatigue cracks were near the interface between the co-cured adhesive and the first ply of the composite adherend. The finite element method has been used to determine the strain-energy release rate of a fatigue crack growing along the first ply of the composite. The effects of spew fillet size and crack initiation modes have also been studied by the finite element method. Comparison of the present experimental crack growth results with those measured using double-overlap joints, where the fatigue cracks were driven by pure mode II loading, indicate that the tensile mode loading has a overwhelming effect on the fatigue crack growth rates. The present results suggest that fatigue failure of metal-composite double-lap joints is mainly driven by tensile mode loading due to the peel stress.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
