Parametric analyses of stitched composite T-joints by the finite element method

Numerical methods were employed to perform a detailed parametric study on composite T-joints with transverse stitching using the finite element method. This analysis was accomplished to discern the effects of key joint parameters including fiber insertion tow modulus, fiber insertion filament count, fiber insertion depth, and resin-rich interface zone thickness on T-joint displacement and damage initiation load. T-joint load conditions included flexure, tension, and shear. Significant results of the parametric finite element analysis indicate that under flexural loading, increasing the fiber insertion tow modulus and tow filament count increases the T-joint damage initiation load; increasing the fiber insertion depth reduces T-joint deflection; and reducing the web-to-flange interface thickness reduces the T-joint deflection. Fiber insertion tow filament count and modulus have a negligible effect on T-joint deflection under tension and initial damage load under shear. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.