Experimental and numerical analysis of FRP joints

Composite parts are designed and manufactured to near net-shape, but the structures need to be connected with the many members using joints. Joints are potential sources of weakness and additional increase in weight of the assembly. Efficient joints are criticcal to the success and application of FRP composites materials in various applications. Based on the above issues, it is essential to carry out a study on the different types of composite joints and their suitability in general engineering application to fulfill the requirements of the following issues. It is important to find out the suitability of FRP materials as an alternative for metallic joints. It is more economical to build up complex shapes by joining simple geometrical shapes The technology of joining composites has not yet matured enough and needs to be developed Not much details about the performance parameters of composite joints available. Very few details about experimental performance evaluation of joint strength is found. Not much experimental data is available on stepped and scarf joints. This book gives a detailed experimental and numerical analysis towards fibre reinforced composite joints.