Investigation of tensile behavior and influence factors of composite-to-metal 2D-scarf bonded joint

Composite-to-metal 2D (two dimensional) scarf bonded joint (SBJ) specimens with 4scarf angles were tested to study their tensile behaviors. Based on the experimental results, progressive damage finite element models (FEM) were established in ABAQUS/Standard, and the effects of three variables: the metal material, composite stacking sequence and adhesive properties, with respect to the joint tensile properties were investigated. The results show that the metal plasticity and scarf angle can affect the tensile plastic behavior of the joint. Compared with Q235 (steel), 7075-T6 (aluminium) and 30CrMnSiNi2A (steel) plates, TC4 (titanium) plate makes the joint possess higher tensile strength. Changing the composite plate (laminate) stacking sequences can result in the variation of plastic behavior and failure location of the joints. The adhesive properties have significant effects on the joint plastic behavior and ultimate loads.