Investigating the Influence of Tufting Parameters on the Lap Joint Strength of Composite Parts Assembled Using Tufting Technology

The mechanical property of lap joints can be strongly modified by tufting technique. The influence of tufting density, tufting loop and tufting direction on the fracture strength of tufted lap joints (TLJ) are mainly investigated via shearing tests. The experimental results show that lap joint strength can be much improved when the tufting density is increased. Conversely, tufting loop and tufting direction seem to have no apparently effect on the lap joint strength. However, they help to increase the specific strength of the lap joints. In this study, the samples tufted in 0º or 90º direction with a tufting density of 4.17 pts/cm² and without tufting loops can achieve the highest specific strength. The current study revealed that the tufting technique can improve the lap joints strength within a certain range and tufting parameters need to be well designed to reduce the total material weights.