Finite element analysis of an inelastic interface in ultrasonic welded metal/fibre-reinforced polymer joints

The ultrasonic welding technology is an innovative method to produce hybrid joints for multi-material components. In this contribution, the behaviour of an interface layer of metal/fibre-reinforced polymer single overlap tensile specimens is considered. The investigations are carried out using the ultrasonic metal welding technique (UMW) for joining carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic composites (CFRP) with aluminium alloys. An interfacial traction-separation-law based on elastoplasticity with Lemaitre-type damage is applied. The finite element method is used for the analysis of damage evolution. Two-dimensional interface elements are employed for modelling the solid interface in a 3-D problem. Numerical simulations are carried out for three different interface geometries: square, elongated rectangle and cross rectangle. It is shown that damage develops slower in the specimen with square interface than in the specimen with rectangle interface. The damage parameter reaches the maximum value in every loadstep in the specimen with cross-rectangle interface. Comparison with experimental data shows that the damage process and the fractured zone are identical to simulated results for the specimen with square interface.