Numerical and Experimental Investigation on the Influence of Tightening in a Hybrid Single Lap Joint

Hybrid mechanical joints are achieved by the simultaneous use of multiple connection mechanisms such as bolting and bonding. This technique allows to obtain advantages in terms of mechanical properties compared to simple joints such as longer fatigue life and operability in critical environmental conditions. Many parameters influence the structural behavior of the hybrid junctions in this perspective numerical simulation can play a decisive role to the cause. Using hybrid joints allows generally to obtain a more homogeneous stress distribution than bolted ones which is why, over the years, such type of joint is widely used in the automotive and naval industries as well as in the avionics, with particular reference to the residual strength in partially damaged components. In the present work, a numerical model representative of tensile tests on single lap joints characterized by adherends of different nature is presented.