Effect of Adhesive Layer Thickness on Strength of Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Plastic/Aluminum Bond-Riveted Joints

This paper investigated the mechanical performance, progressive failure process, and failure modes of riveted joints, bonded joints, and hybrid joints with different adhesive layer thicknesses connecting carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and aluminum alloy subjected to quasi-static tensile loading. The 2D digital image correlation technique was used to record the deformation and strain of the overlap area. The results show that the thickness of the adhesive layer had a negative effect on the mechanical properties of the hybrid joints, and when the thickness of the adhesive layer was increased from 0.2 to 0.8 mm, the peak load and the energy absorption (EA) values of the hybrid joints were reduced by 14.38 and 23.22%, respectively. Compared with the bonded and riveted joints, hybrid joints showed better performances in peak load and EA values, and rivets were able to continue carrying loads when the adhesive layer failed. The typical failure modes of the hybrid joints included CFRP compressive failure, adhesive failure, fiber-tear failure, and light-fiber-tear failure. It was further found that the adhesive could disperse the stress around the rivet holes and effectively reduce the stress concentration around the rivet holes.