Tensile behavior of scarf joints after impact in different locations

The damage introduced by low-velocity impact is a threat to composite bonded joints. Scarf joints were impacted in three different locations of joint areas and then tensile test after impact was conducted. Finite element models of impact and tensile after impact of scarf joints were established respectively. The test results demonstrate that when impact occurs at the back face of tips, the indentation depth is the largest and the tensile strength after impact is the lowest. When impact occurs at the middle of joint area, the indentation depth is the smallest and the tensile strength after impact is the highest. When impact occurs at the front face of tips, the indentation depth and tensile strength are medium. The finite element analysis results show that the major cause of structural failure is the extensive expansion of adhesive damage and fiber cracks.