TABLE OF CONTENTS Airframe structures consist essentially of an assembly of simple elements connected to form a load transmission path. The elements, which include skins, stiffeners, frames, and spars, form the major components such as wings, fuselage, and empennage. The connections or joints are potentially the weakest points in the airframe so can determine its structural efficiency.
In general, it is desirable to reduce the number and complexity of joints to minimize weight and cost. A very important advantage of composite construction is the ability to form unitized components, thus minimizing the number of joints required. However, the design and manufacture of the remaining joints is still a major challenge to produce safe, cost-effective, and efficient structures.
This chapter is concerned with joints used to connect structural elements made of advanced fiber composite laminates, mainly carbon/epoxy (carbon/epoxy), to other composite parts or to metals. Sections 9.3 and 9.4 deal, respectively, with bonded and mechanical joints typical of those used in the manufacture of airframe components. Joints are also required to repair structural damage; this topic is dealt with in Chapter 10. Both design and materials aspects are considered. The aim of this chapter, when discussing design, is to outline simple analytical procedures that provide a physical insight into the behavior of joints involving composites. The materials aspects covered will be those essential to the manufacture of sound joints.
Joint types used in airframe construction can be broadly divided into joints that are mechanically fastened using bolts or rivets, adhesively bonded using...
