Support stiffness effects on damage behavior of thin-walled composite interference-fit joints in the installation

Abstract

Interference installation-induced local interface damage becomes the source of bearing failure in service, which severely restricts the reliable application of composite interference-fit joints. To this end, support stiffness effects on interface damage behavior of thin-walled composite interference-fit joints in the installation was systematically investigated in this paper. The mechanical response and interface damage behavior of the joints were evaluated and compared by interference installation experiments and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of different support stiffness and lap type on the pressing-in load and interface damage were analyzed. Damage formation mechanism and suppression strategy during installation were discussed. Results show that the weaker the support stiffness is, the greater the bending degree caused by the bottom cantilever is, and the more severe the corresponding interface damage is. Increasing the number of laminated plates only increases the value of the pressing-in load, and has a very limited effect on the interface damage state. To reduce the interface damage of the joints in the installation, in addition to maintain the best interference-fit, keep a considerable value on the bottom support stiffness is also very necessary.