High-temperature effect on the mechanical performance of screwed CFRPI–TC4 alloy joints repaired with metal inserts

This paper seeks to study high-temperature effect on mechanical performance of screwed single-lap carbon fiber-reinforced polyimide–TC4 titanium alloy joints repaired with metal inserts. Quasi-static tension tests were conducted at room temperature (RT) and 250℃ to determine the joint strength and stiffness of repaired joints with metal inserts. Based on the experimental results, high-temperature effect on joint strength and stiffness and insert repair efficiency were analyzed and discussed. A new analytical model was established to evaluate the effect of high temperature on joint stiffness. It is concluded that (1) joint strength and stiffness for all configurations are lower at 250℃ than that at RT, showing the expected detrimental effect of high temperature on joint strength and stiffness. The reductions in joint strength and stiffness depend on the joint configuration; (2) the repair efficiencies of embedded conical nut for joint strengths of protruding and countersunk head screw joints decrease, but those for joint stiffness increase at 250℃ as against at RT. Unlike the repair efficiencies of embedded conical nut, the repair efficiency of bushing for joint strength is slightly greater, but that for joint stiffness is less at 250℃ than at RT; and (3) the developed analytical model is capable of predicting the displacement of screwed single-lap carbon fiber-reinforced polyimide–TC4 joints at RT and high temperature, and there is good agreement between the experimental data and the predicted curves.