Test of a redesigned glass-fiber reinforced vinyl ester to steel joint for use between a naval GRP superstructure and a steel hull

The joining of metal structures and composites has a number of applications in engineering fields, for example in naval ship structures. In the present research, the joint design type A from Clifford et al.’s recent paper [Compos. Struct. 57 (2002) 59] was replicated with different glass fiber, vinyl ester and core material. The joint was then redesigned by moving the steel edge away from an area of high stress concentrations. Specimens of both the original and new designs were made and tested. The new joint was lighter, and the limited number of tests suggests that it was stronger as well.