Influence of manufacturing process and GFRP pin loading on shear and dynamic behaviour of composite joints

An efficient manufacturing technique and high-strength composite structures are essential in weight-sensitive applications. The current study examines the combined effect of manufacturing techniques and GFRP pin insertion on shear and dynamic behaviour of composite joints. Shear analysis revealed that shear strength of the composite joint is intensely reliant on their manufacturing technique and improved in order: secondary bonding (least effective), co-bonding method, and co-cure joining (highly effective). The fracture mode and joint strength are also reliant on the volume fraction of fibreglass pins. The free vibrational analysis asserted that co-cure joining with a 2% volume fraction of fibreglass pins increased the fundamental natural frequency of composite joints due to the formation of an extrinsic crack bridging zone in the adhesive layer developed a stronger interface between adherent and adhesive. The present study exposes that enhancement in shear properties and free vibrational behaviour can be achieved by selecting the proper manufacturing technique and appropriate volume of fibreglass pins. The co-cure joining with 2% volume fractions of fibreglass pins provided the greatest enhancement in shear properties and natural frequencies of composite joints.