Optimization of Fiber-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) /Metal Joints using the Complex Method

This paper focuses on the optimization of a metal-polymer composite single-lap joint. Adhesive thickness ( ), overlap length ( ) and composite thickness ( ) are considered as optimization variables and maximum allowable force is taken as the objective function to be maximized, while the weight of the joint is held constant. The optimization iscarried out using the Complex (Box) method. The algorithm has been implemented in Python scripting in the finite element method (FEM) software ABAQUS. The results show that the joint strength is reduced by increasing and failure begins from the adhesive layer. They also show that the joint strength does not increase significantly beyond a certain value for and the failure begins in the composite layer

Keywords:

Composite-metal joints , Complex (Box) optimization method , Traction-Separation Law