Innovative, Weight Efficient, Composite/Metallic Structural Joint Analysis

Proposed is a new structural analysis capability specifically for designing innovative bonded and bolted joint concepts that join metallic and composite hybrid structures. Industry relies heavily on the use of bolted joints due to their successful history over many decades of operation, however they are believed to be heavier than bonded joints. The focus of this research is to quantify potential weight savings of innovative bonded and bolted joint concepts (including the Pi preform joint) while ensuring structural integrity through rapid analysis and sizing. Two primary problems to be addressed are: 1) rapid analysis with sizing capability does not exist for either bonded or bolted joints; 2) robust and general integration of bonded and bolted specialty analysis programs (those used in production design) with vehicle FEA does not exist. These problems are preventing innovative joint designs from becoming known. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Ft Worth, Texas believes that the research proposed will serve as a vital step to finding innovative and lighter structural joining concepts and will assist by providing engineering consultation, realistic loads, software integration support, technical review, assessment of practicality, and a checklist of certification criteria to meet in addition to static strength.