Experimental and Numerical Study on Mechanical Properties of Z-pins Reinforced Composites Adhesively Bonded Single-Lap Joints

The mechanical properties of Z-pins reinforced composites adhesively bonded single-lap joints(SLJs)under un-directional tension loading are investigated by experimental and numerical methods.Three kinds of joint configurations,including SLJs with three/two rows of Z-pins and“I”array of Z-pins,are investigated by tension test.The failure modes and mechanism of reinforced joints with different Z-pins numbers and alignment are analyzed,and the comparison is performed for the failure strengths of no Z-pins and Z-pins reinforced joints.According to experimental results,failure modes of three kinds of joints are all mixed failure.It turns out that the Z-pins are pulled out ultimately.The strength of joints of more Z-pins at the end of the overlap area is relatively bigger for the joint of the same Z-pins numbers.The strength of joints with Z-pins compared with non Z-pins joints is growing at 16%.Finally,the three-dimensional distribution of interfacial stress in the lap zone of three kinds of Z-pins reinforced joints is simulated,and the numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental results.It is effective that the numerical calculation of stress analysis is verified.