Influence of temperature on strength and failure mechanisms of resistance welded thermoplastic composites joints

In this work, the effect of temperature exposure on the strength of resistance welded joints is analysed. Glass fibre polyphenylene sulphide (GF/PPS) laminates were joined using the resistance welding technique and a stainless steel metal mesh as the heating element. Single lap shear tests at temperatures between 20°C and 150°C were performed to evaluate the strength of the welded joints and fractography was used to investigate changes in the failure mechanisms at elevated temperatures. The results show a strength reduction of 10-15% for the samples tested at temperatures up to 90°C, and a strength reduction of 22% and 38% for the samples tested at 120°C and 150°C, respectively, while the fracture surfaces observation revealed changes in the failure mechanisms of the welded joints tested at elevated temperatures.Aerospace Structures & MaterialsAerospace Engineerin