Vibration Welding of Continuous-Fiber Thermoplastic Matrix Composites

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss vibration welding of continuous-fiberreinforced thermoplastic matrix composites. Several parameters affecting the lap shear strength of vibration-welded joints of glass and carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene and polyamide-6 matrix composites have been experimentally investigated. These parameters were clamping pressure, vibration time, vibration direction, and holding time. Weld strength at elevated temperatures was also investigated. The results showed that the combination of clamping pressure and vibration time had a significant effect on the lap shear strength. Holding time also influenced lap shear strength, but the effect of vibration direction was not significant. In addition to lap shear specimens, ring specimens were designed and tested to determine the crosstension strength of these composites under tensile stress normal to the weld plane.