Effect of Temperature on Stresses and Delamination Failure of Z-Pinned Joints

Although z-pins have been shown effective in preventing delaminations in adhesively bonded and co-cured joints, their applicability depends on a reliable assessment of the strength of a z-pin-composite assembly. In particular, high residual thermal stresses that have been found in experiments dictate the necessity in a local stress analysis. Elevated temperature applied to the joint during its lifetime may also affect its effectiveness in preventing delaminations. The present paper illustrates an approach to determining local residual stresses confirming the observations regarding a possible delamination and cracking in the composite structure due to high post-processing transverse stresses. The analysis of the effect of elevated temperature applied at one of the surfaces on the response of a z-pinned joint is conducted using the concept of a double cantilever beam with an “insulated” crack. In addition, it is illustrated that an elevated temperature may actually benefit the integrity of the joint if it causes an increase in the z-pin-composite interfacial strength.