Investigation of the geometric parameters on the performance of glass fiber reinforced polymer laminated mechanical joints under fatigue loading

Abstract The present work optimizes the geometric parameters of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminated pin joints under fatigue loading conditions using response surface methodology (RSM). RSM is utilized to construct polynomial functions that optimally capture the behavior of experimental data, intending to make statistical inferences. Key geometric parameters, that is the edge and width dimensions were studied in pursuit of enhanced performance under fatigue loading of pin joints. The study aimed to validate the effectiveness of the optimized parameters, particularly for attaining load‐bearing capacity, fatigue life, and failure mode using numerical and experimental approaches. Optimal configurations were achieved, that is edge and width equal to 16 mm at which the failure mode shifts to bearing mode. Another configuration with an edge of 20 mm and a width of 22 mm was achieved for optimized fatigue life. These findings underscore the practical implications of the optimization process, with the potential for substantial gains in fatigue life and strength of GFRP laminated pin joints in engineering applications. The identified optimal configurations exhibited a non‐catastrophic bearing failure mode, emphasizing a crucial characteristic that provides prior‐warning before the occurrence of final failure. The experimental results align well with the numerical outcomes regarding fatigue life and the mode of failure. Highlights Parametric optimization of GFRP pin joint under cyclic loading. Optimization of GFRP pin joints via RSM for cyclic loading. Validation through numerical and experimental approaches. Comparison of fatigue life at optimum design points. Depiction of the failure modes using damage pattern under fatigue loading.