Non-rotationally symmetric joints – Mechanisms and load bearing capacity

Traditionally, joints are cylindrical and rotationally symmetric. In the present study, non-rotationally symmetric joints are used for joining steel and Glass mat-reinforced thermoplastic sheets (GMT). In addition, the study also analyzes the impact of non-rotational symmetric joint rotation on the load-bearing capacity. Single lap joint specimens were fabricated using the In-Mold assembly technique for joining steel sheets with GMT. Tensile shear tests were performed on different orientations of the joint geometry, and it was observed that changing the joint orientation influences the load-bearing capacity. The joints are constitutively modeled using beam elements and the influence of joint rotation on load distribution is examined through a static simulation study.