Fretting fatigue failure analysis of TC4-CFRP riveted single-shear lap joints

Experimental and numerical methods are used to study the fretting fatigue failure behaviour of TC4-CFRP riveted single-shear lap joints. The wear mechanisms between the contact surfaces are analysed using scanning electron microscope and white-light interference. It is found that there are two stages during the fatigue tests, where the lap plate is in partial slip state at low loads and gross slip state at high loads. Both processes lead to the fretting fatigue failure at the CFRP surface. Increasing the CFRP thickness results in a significant extension of fatigue life. However, the surface failure of the CFRP still occurs. Therefore, the fatigue performance can be improved under low loads by changing the thickness, whereas high loads require high-temperature-resistant composite materials.