Performance of a Composite Double Strap Joint with Attachments

Abstract

Thin composite laminate attachments were designed and added onto the conventional double-strap joints so that additional load transfer paths were created and localized interfacial stress concentrations near the joint edge were reduced. Experiments were performed and the result revealed that the new double-strap joint with attachments had significantly greater strengths than the conventional double-strap joint. Joints with attachments having different angular configurations and lay-ups were tested and different failure modes were observed. Interfacial stresses along the bondlines were analyzed in order to understand the increase in joint strength and the change of failure modes in joints with attachments.