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Experimental and Numerical Studies on the Failure Mechanism of the Composite Scarf Joints with Bonding Flaws

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Abstract

Bonded composite scarf joints with bonding flaws were tested to study their tensile behaviors. Based on the failure modes obtained by various observation methods, an improved numerical methodology with appropriate model width was developed, considering the marginal low stiffness regions in ± 45° plies. The results show that the modelling approach provides accurate predictions on the strength, stiffness, and the failure modes considering variations in scarf angle, flaw size, and flaw location. Marginal low stiffness regions in ± 45° plies influence the stress distributions in the adhesive layer and the failure mode. Adhesive layer failure is the main cause of the final fracture of the pristine and the defective scarf joints, and damages within composite adherend especially interlaminar delamination, may accelerate the growth of the bondline stress at an early stage. The traditional damage tolerance design approach for bonded composite joints needs to be improved to avoid confusing and adventurous results.

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Data Availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Aeronautic Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China

    Yuru Su, Zhidong Guan, Xin Wang, Xiaodong Wang & Zengshan Li

  2. Beijing Center for Physical & Chemical Analysis, Beijing, 100094, China

    Xia Guo

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  1. Yuru Su
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  2. Zhidong Guan
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  3. Xin Wang
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  4. Xiaodong Wang
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  6. Xia Guo
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Correspondence to Xiaodong Wang.

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Su, Y., Guan, Z., Wang, X. et al. Experimental and Numerical Studies on the Failure Mechanism of the Composite Scarf Joints with Bonding Flaws. Appl Compos Mater 28, 1399–1425 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10443-021-09921-y

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