Numerical analysis of hybrid (bonded/bolted) FRP composite joints: A review

Abstract Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, exhibit tremendous potential to supersede conventional materials in various manufacturing sectors due to their extra-ordinary properties. Nevertheless, a few obstacles hinder the application and promotion of FRP, among which poor connection performance is reviewed in this present paper. In order to overcome the shortcomings of traditional joining technology, hybrid (bonded/bolted) joining technology emerges prominently and becomes a hot research area with immerse engineering importance. Moreover, with the complexity of the design for hybrid joints (HJs), the finite element modeling (FEM) has become the main research method, which assists applications of HJs by systematic selection of parameters for efficient manufacturing. This review paper summarizes an up-to-date progress in FEM analysis for composite HJs, and it covers: modeling about numerical damage of HJs(consists of FRPs modeling, adhesive modeling and bolt modeling), simulation for manufacturing of HJs (consists of bonding technology, drilling process and installing fasteners) and simulation for the mechanical performance of HJs (including substrates geometry, adhesive parameters, multi-fasteners configuration, fastener-hole fit conditions and clamping force). Additionally, the existing numerical methods in literature are analyzed in detail followed by remarks on the current scope in the designing of HJs. This general review of simulation analysis methods for composite HJs not only helps to discover future research possibilities, but also provides an extensive guideline for new researchers to implement the simulation of HJs successfully and accurately.