Structure optimisation of metallic load introduction elements embedded in CFRP

Abstract

The combination of construction parts made of fibre-reinforced plastics (FRP) and metal holds great lightweight design potential but places high demands on the necessary joining technologies. Metallic load introduction elements that are embedded in the manufacturing process of FRP components are a promising joining technology. In order to fully exploit the potential of this technology, approaches to increase the load bearing capacity of inserts, particularly under pull-out loads, have been missing. The aim is therefore to derive a method for the simulative structural optimisation of embedded inserts. The load bearing capacity increases under pull-out loads through smoothing of failure-critical stress peaks using the optimisation of the thickness distribution of the insert’s base plate. The increase of the load bearing capacity of the optimised insert geometry is confirmed through experimental validation.