Single Lap Shear Test (Bolted)

Similar to a single lap adhesive composite, instead of having two composites bonded together using a 3M adhesive specifically used for composite panels, these panels will be joined together using a fastener such as a bolt or screw. There are advantages and disadvantages alongside this type of connection, with the regular metal fastener known to be durable due to its metal composition. However, adhesives are better at distributing loads over the surface area of the composite rather than a metal fastener where the load is more concentrated at a specific point. In addition the creation of a hole for the use of a bolt may create micro fractures that will further decrease the effectiveness of the joint leading to failure. However, metal fasteners are thought to be more easier to predict where the stress will be alongside a faster time to manufacture since no cure time is present (adhesive curing may take hours).

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The image above is a simple illustration to how this specimen is to be created. The main equipment to be used for this experiment is the Universal Testing Machine where it will provide a tensile force onto this test piece and thus we should be able to evaluate the failure modes that will occur.