Improving the fracture resistance of sandwich composite T-joints by z-pinning

This paper presents an experimental and analytical study into the strengthening and toughening of sandwich composite joints by z-pinning. Cleats connecting the vertical stiffener and horizontal base panel to T-shaped sandwich joints were reinforced in the through-thickness direction with pins. Tensile (stiffener pull-off) tests revealed that pinning increased the ultimate fracture load and fracture energy by resisting crack growth along the...