Bonded Joints

Small stress concentration in adherends
Stiff connection
Excellent fatigue properties
No fretting problems
Sealed against corrosion
Smooth surface contour
Relatively lightweight
Damage tolerant

Limits to thickness that can be joined with simple joint configuration
Inspection other than for gross flaws difficult
Prone to environmental degradation
Sensitive to peel and through-thickness stresses
Residual stress problems when joining to metals
Cannot be disassembled
May require costly tooling and facilities
Requires high degree of quality control
May be of environmental concern

Bolted Joints

Positive connection, low initial risk
Can be disassembled
No thickness limitations
Simple joint configuration
Simple manufacturing process
Simple inspection procedure
Not environmentaly sensitive
Provides through-thickness reinforcement; not sensitive to peel stresses
No major residual stress problem

Considerable stress concentration
Prone to fatigue cracking in metallic component
Hole formation can damage composite
Composites's relatively poor bearing properties
Pone to fretting in metal
Prone to corrosion in metal
May require extensive shimming