Failure load evaluation and prediction of hybrid composite double lap joints

Hybrid joints are a combination of adhesive bonding and mechanical fastening and are known to combine the advantages of both joint types. In this paper, we evaluate and compare the strengths of mechanical joints, adhesive joints and hybrid composite joints. We manufactured and tested 10 hybrid joint specimens with different width-to-diameter (w/d) ratios, edge-to-diameter (e/d) ratios and adherend thicknesses. Additionally, the strengths of the hybrid joints were predicted using the Failure Area Index (FAI) method and the damage zone method, and we compared our theoretical predictions with our experimental results. From these data, we were able to predict hybrid joint strengths to within 23.0%. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.