2025/01/01 by Xin Jin, Jifeng Zhang, Cuilong Liu +5 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Engineering · #Mechanical Behavior of Composites #Structural Analysis and Optimization #Structural Behavior of Reinforced Concrete
paper · pdf · doi:10.1515/epoly-2025-0061
openalex publication_date 2025/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/23 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/14
Abstract T-joints made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are widely used in aircraft fuselages. However, CFRP structures are prone to interlaminar delamination, for which stitching reinforcement presents a promising solution. Therefore, this work presents an experimental study on the tensile behavior of stitched T-joints, in which key stitching parameters (stitch method, fineness, and needle distance) are systematically investigated to assess their influence on mechanical performance and to elucidate the underlying reinforcement mechanisms. Stitching enhances the Mode I fracture toughness and tensile strength of T-joints, with the lock-stitch providing the superior improvement. However, an optimal stitch fineness (1,000D) exists, as excessive fineness degraded performance from its peak, while still outperforming the unstitched baseline. Reducing the needle distance results in a 27% increase in peak load, as stitching improves tensile strength by increasing constraint density and regulating crack propagation. Meanwhile, ductile fracture of the Kevlar fibers and stress bridging by the stitches are the two primary mechanisms driving the interlaminar toughness enhancement.