Design parameter study of a CFRP T-joint under overpressure conditions due to ballistic impact

Out-of-plane loading on composite T-joints may result in catastrophic failure of the structure. In this article a numerical parameter study on the mechanical response of composite T-joints subjected to out-of-plane tensile loading is performed using LS-DYNA. The influence of both, material parameters (mode I fracture toughness and stiffness of the filler material) and geometric constraints (curvature, overlap length) on the strength of the joint is quantified. Suggestions for an optimal T-Joint design are made.