INTEGRAL FIT JOINT TECHNOLOGIES FOR COMPOSITES

Seeking to expand the varieties of joining approaches for polymer-matr ix composites beyond discrete fasteners as well as adhesive and non-ad hesive bonds, novel assembly joints that are integral to the design an d fabrication of individual components are presented. Grouped under th e title of integral fit joint technologies, prior approaches to elimin ating fasteners, avoiding adhesives, or bonding components by ultrason ic or other energy-augmented methods are identified and illustrated. B y building upon prior efforts to apply integral fit joints in areas su ch as snap fits, electronic assemblies, wooden joint structures, and p lastic building blocks, potential uses of these joining technologies i n composites can be identified and evaluated. Application of integral fit joint technologies in composites requires a fundamental understand ing of the strengths and weaknesses of composite material systems, com ponent fabrication processes, the forces acting on joints as well as m ethods for assembling composite components together. A composite snap joint technology developed for high voltage transmission towers serves as an example in demonstrating the potential for using integral fit j oints in composite structures.