Tensile Strength of Stitching Joint in Woven Glass Fabrics

Abstract

Stitching has been found to be able to improve the interlaminar strength of composite laminates. Its application as composite joining has been also explored. This study examined the tensile strength of some stitched composite beams made of woven glass fabric and epoxy matrix. The effects of stitching parameters on joining strength were evaluated by both experimental technique and finite element method. It was found that there were two basic ways to improve the strength of stitching joint. One was to use high-density stitching in nonoverlap joint and the other was to use chain stitching in overlap joint. However, the former could give smoother surface and more uniform thickness than the latter. In addition, it was concluded from this study that stitching joint was more suitable for woven fabrics than for unidirectional prepreg tapes.