Analysis of the static and fatigue strength of a damage tolerant 3D-reinforced joining technology on composite single lap joints

The lightweight potential of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) in aerospace is known to be significantly affected by the joining technology employed. In this way, load transfer efficient structural joining methods represent a crucial challenge for the development of next generation structural assemblies. To address this issue, an innovative technology denominated Redundant High Efficiency Assembly (RHEA) joints is introduced as a high-performance lightweight joint that combines damage tolerance with efficient load transfer. An analysis of the current research investigations of the RHEA joint technology, considering its manufacturing concept and the experimental results of quasi-static and fatigue testing of single lap shear specimens are exposed. A performance improvement in terms of load-bearing capability, in the endurance of higher strain levels, in damage tolerance and in a longer fatigue life are noticed when comparing the RHEA reinforced specimens to a co-bonded reference.