Effect of rod profile and strength on the contact behavior of CFRP–metal couples

The interfacial mechanics of CFRP–metal couples under different contact pressures was studied by considering different composite surface profiles and strengths. The composite rods were in contact with either annealed or as-received aluminum or copper sleeves. The contact shear stress was found to increase significantly when a smooth machined CFRP rod was used. By removing surface perturbations of the rod, the actual contact area increased allowing more mechanical interlocking to take place. The shear stress also increased when a stronger CFRP rod was used especially with a soft sleeve.