Assembly of Thermoplastic Composites in the Single Strap Joint Configuration Subjected to Tensile Loading

ABSTRACT One of the best advantages of thermoplastic composites is their inherent ability to be repaired when damaged. A Single Strap Joint (SSJ) is one of the best representative joints that can be used for this purpose, although available data in the literature about these joints are quite limited. In this study, a carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite was used to manufacture the joints. Curing the adherends and straps from the thermoplastic prepregs and their bonding process were implemented together using a co‐cured bonding technique. The fusion bonded SSJs with a length of 30 mm strap were then subjected to the tensile tests to evaluate their mechanical performance. An average maximum load of about 5 kN was obtained from the joints, which had an initial failure starting in the clearance region progressing toward the strap edges. Simulation studies were also conducted, which were consistent with the experimental results.