Theoretical and Experimental Investigation on Mechanical Behavior of Aluminum to Aluminum Tubular Bonded Lap Joint under Pure Torsion and a Finite Element Comparison with Hybrid Rivet/Bonded Joint

Abstract

The combination of mechanical and bonded joints creates a new connection type, called hybrid joint which has the benefits of both mechanical and bonded joints. In this research, the mechanical behavior of the tubular bonded lap joint between aluminum tubes subjected to pure torsion has been investigated experimentally and numerically, and the results have been compared. The mechanical behavior of the hybrid (rivet/bonded) joint has been investigated numerically and the outcomes have been compared. The adhesive and rivets have cohesive elements and bushing connector elements, respectively. The results from the hybrid joints and the damage mechanism show that the rivets change the interface shear stress and the stress distribution of the joint, and affect the joint’s torque capacity and strengths. It has been observed that for specimens with overlap lengths close to effective length, the hybrid joint is more effective.