Experimental investigation of a novel hybrid metal–composite joining technology

An integrative joining technology between steel and carbon fibre-reinforced plastics (CFRP) is presented for lightweight design applications in aviation industries. Small spikes are welded onto metal surfaces via “cold-metal transfer” which then build up a fibre-friendly fixation through form-closure with co-cured composites. Manufacture of such reinforced hybrid specimens and results of static tensile testings are discussed. Video-extensometry is applied to characterize the hybrid joints in terms of strength and failure history. Comparisons with epoxy bonded references show improvements in ultimate load, maximum deformation and energy absorption capacity.