Progress on Metal-Composite Spot Joints produced with Frictional Heating - A Literature Review

Friction-based spot joining of polymer-metal hybrid structures is a new research field introduced by the author and contributors in the past few years through patents, academic theses and technical publications. Its main advantages include short joining cycles, absence or reduced need for pre- or post-joining treatments, and improved mechanical performance in comparison to state-of-the-art mechanical fastening and adhesive bonding. This work addresses recent developments on Friction Spot Joining (FSpJ) - a novel joining technology for metal-thermoplastic composite overlap joints - patented by Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, HZG, Germany (Amancio-Filho and dos Santos, US 8,567,032, B2 and EP 2 329 905 B1). Emphasis will be given on the review of recent published collaborative work between HZG and Graz University of Technology (TU Graz, Austria) reporting on following aircraft material joint’s properties: quasi-static, fatigue and impact mechanical performance, as well as the influence of accelerated corrosion on friction spot joint strength.