Composite-to-Metal Jointing Technology

Beltran proposes to continue the development of an advanced technology for joining of large composite and steel hull structures which are not prone to sudden failure and have much higher strain-to-failure ratio and increased energy absorption than conventional bonds. To ensure joints "structural efficiency, durability, producibility, reparability, and affordability, the Phase II STTR project will be focused on: Optimization of joints" design. Refining of manufacturing and repair processes with regard to large hull structures. Generation of experimental data on performance of the joints under fatigue, dynamic and environmental loading exposures. Design, construction, and testing of a large technology Demonstration Panel (TDP)under and/or dynamic loading. Repair trials and repetitive after-repair testing. Assessment of TDP durability with regard to planned test loading. Cost evaluation of the joint manufacturing regarding technology implementation for serial construction of hybrid hulls.