In a significant advancement for the construction and materials engineering sectors, researchers have unveiled a novel approach to enhance the impact resistance of metal and composite material joint structures. Led by Zhao Kunpeng from the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this innovative work leverages metal laser selective melting technology to create a robust synapse structure that integrates seamlessly with carbon fiber-reinforced composites (CFRP).
The study, published in ‘Cailiao gongcheng’—translated as ‘Materials Engineering’—focuses on the development of a through-thickness reinforcement joint structure designed to withstand low-velocity impacts. This is particularly relevant in applications where structural integrity is paramount, such as in construction, aerospace, and automotive industries. “Our findings demonstrate that this penetration-enhanced joint method effectively mitigates metal stress concentration and prevents carbon fiber cutting, which are common issues in traditional bolted connections,” Zhao stated.
The research involved rigorous testing, including Charpy pendulum impact tests, which revealed that the new synapse joint structure exhibits an impressive impact absorption energy of 68.54 Joules. This marks a staggering 216.1% improvement compared to conventional bolted connections, highlighting the potential for enhanced durability in construction applications. Notably, the study emphasizes that increasing the height of the synapses can significantly inhibit impact delamination in composite materials, a crucial factor for maintaining structural integrity under stress.
Moreover, the analysis extended to the morphology of the synapses, exploring how their size and array density influence the internal defects of the composite material. The findings suggest a nuanced relationship, where the impact absorption energy initially increases with larger synapse feature sizes and higher density, before tapering off—an insight that could guide future design choices in material engineering.
Zhao’s work not only advances material science but also opens new avenues for commercial applications. With the construction industry increasingly focused on sustainability and resilience, the integration of such high-performance materials could lead to safer, longer-lasting structures. “The potential for these optimized joint structures is vast, and we are excited to see how they can be implemented in real-world scenarios,” Zhao added.
As the construction sector continues to evolve, the implications of this research could set new standards for material performance, particularly in environments where impact resistance is critical. The ongoing exploration of these advanced materials may very well shape the future landscape of construction, paving the way for innovations that prioritize both safety and efficiency.
For more information on this groundbreaking research, visit the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics.
