Increasing the Strength of an Adhesive Joint: Geometry Optimization of Complex Joint Configurations for Implementation in Composite Micro Truss Structures

A FEM-based tool was developed for optimization of the geometry of an adhesive joint for implementation in a composite micro truss structure. A genetic algorithm was employed to optimize the adhesive fillet and adherend local end geometry towards a uniform state of strain in the adhesive layer. It was found that the peak maximum principal strain in the adhesive has been reduced up to 36.8 %. However, it was concluded that the optimized joint configurations are unfeasible for implementation in composite micro truss structures as the joint efficiency was estimated to be below 1.0 %.Aerospace EngineeringAerospace Structures & MaterialsStructural Integrity & Composit