Dynamic testing and simulation of hybrid joined bi-material beam

A specimen is developed for real-like low velocity impact testing of bi-material joint configurations. Six different joint configurations are analysed. Two engineering adhesives are evaluated with and without discrete mechanical fasteners, i.e. adhesive and hybrid joints. Experiments and simulations are performed. The simulations are performed using adhesive cohesive finite elements. Simulations show good agreement with experiments in impact energy and overall deformation mode. The histories of applied load vs. load-point deflection show reasonably good correlation. The results show that the impact energy consumption depends on the joint integrity. A threshold value for the fracture energy of the adhesive seems to exist. Beneath this value, adhesive and discrete fastener work together increasing the impact energy capacity. Above this value the discrete fastener has a negative effect, and may be regarded as a stress concentration.