Mechanical properties and optimization adhesive structure of three-dimensional braided composites and metal

The properties of single-lap adhesive joint of composite/metal plates were experimentally and theoretically studied. The finite element model of the single-lap adhesive bonded structures consisting of a three-dimensional braided composite plate and a steel plate was established. Based on cohesive zone model and Hashin failure criteria, the damages of the adhesive layer and braided composite were simulated. The results show that the critical load and failure displacement as well as the damage modes of the bonding structure are all in good agreement with the experimental results which verifies the validity of the numerical model. Based on this numerical model, the effects of the thickness and bonding length of the adhesive layer on the critical load and the failure displacement of the adhesive bonded structure were studied. Based on the obtained results, a new type of connection structure was proposed. It is demonstrated that this new connection structure remarkably improves the tensile and bending strengths compared with the original single-lap adhesive bonded structure.