Structural Assessment of Hybrid Assemblages

Purpose and goal

The aim of this project is to develop experimental and analytical methods for evaluation of strength and fatigue life of hybrid metallic/composite joined structures that are exposed to mechanical and thermal loading. The goal is to form a basis for a generic methodology that can be used in full scale certification tests and design of advanced mechanical joints and assembled hybrid structural parts.

Expected results and effects

The project resulted in a number of numerical methods for computation of load distribution in bolted joints in hybrid structures, damage initiation and propagation in composite, and prediction of strength and fatigue life in hybrid joints. These methods were used, together with experimental techniques, to study the effect of the thermally induced loads and mechanical loads on the life of spectrum loaded hybrid joints. The results, and the models, can be applied to full scale certification tests of larger hybrid structures.

Planned approach and implementation

The project was performed as a cooperation between the aircraft industry (SAAB), the research institute (FOI) and the university (LiU), within a research cluster ´Multifunctional flying structures´. An industrial PhD student was active within the project for the whole duration of the project.