Abstract
It is often mentioned that braided fabric is useful as one of techniques to realize the concept of near-net shape in the reinforcement configuration of composite materials. One of important problems in composite structures is how to connect this material with other structures. It is well known that the unskillful design of joints often causes the bearing capacity of composite structure to be reduced, even if each member in structures possesses the sufficient strength and stiffness. Therefore, a particular attention is required in designing the connection or the joints of composite structures. In this paper, we discuss the joint strength of specimen with braided hole reinforced with fibers around hole. The flat bar specimens are fabricated with glass fiber and epoxy resin by hand lay up method. The flat bar contain one braided hole. To compare joint performance between braided hole and machined hole, the specimens with machined hole are prepared. Joint test in tension are carried out. Bearing failure which doesn't lead to catastrophic fracture always occurs at any joint geometries in the case of braided hole. Braided hole can be realized high joint performance with small joint geometry.
