Analysis of the mechanical performance of hybrid (SPR/bonded) single-lap joints between CFRP panels and aluminum blanks

The increasing use of innovative materials in manufacturing of modern mechanical components has led to the development of reliable joints between innovative (composite materials etc.) and traditional materials (steel, aluminum etc.). In the last few years, hybrid joints, combining the advantages of the adhesive joints and traditional mechanical joints as bolted or riveted joints, have been shown an increasing industrial interest especially in automotive and aerospace sectors. In the present paper a systematic experimental study of hybrid lap joints was carried out with the aim to detect the optimal joint configuration. Tensile tests on hybrid joints made by combining adhesive bonding and self-piercing riveting (SPR) were carried out. Also tensile tests of simple adhesive joints and simple SPR joints were carried out. The joints were made of AA 2024-T6 aluminum sheet and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminate. Effective guidelines for an insight in the joint design are provided.