Research

FAJRI's research objective is to enhance the reliability and safety of metallic, composite and polymeric joints by advancing the science and technology of mechanical fastening, adhesive bonding, welding and riveting.

Research Areas

In its research, FAJRI employs a systems approach to advance the science and technology in the area of fastening and joining. The systems approach is applied to:

• threaded fasteners in bolted assemblies made of metals, composites, plastics and advanced polymers
• adhesive bonding of laminated and fiber reinforced composites
• resistance welding of metals
• advanced riveting

The systems approach, as it applies to each of the above four areas of fastening and joining, simultaneously investigates the significant variables and variable combinations in order to improve the safety, quality and reliability of mechanical joints. Analytical, experimental and computer simulation techniques are used in the research.

Research Projects

At FAJRI, 10 Ph.D. and M.S. graduate research assistants are fully supported to pursue their theses research under the supervision of eight professors. In addition to fundamental research, FAJRI is actively engaged in several externally sponsored applied research projects in fastening and joining. FAJRI is federally funded by the U.S. Congress, National Science Foundation (NSF) and DaimlerChrysler Corporation.

2003-2007 Funded Research

• Mechanical fastening and adhesive bonding of composite and polymer joints
• Self-loosening of threaded fasteners due to vibration and impact loads
• Ultrasonic control of bolt elongation during bolted joints assembly
• Tribology of threaded fasteners
• Clamp load loss due to cyclic service loads
• Non-destructive testing and inspection of composite and metallic joints
• Elastic interaction between fasteners in gasketed bolted joints
• Behavior and analysis of miniature bolted joints for biomedical and electronic devices
• Finite element modeling and analysis of composite, polymer and metallic joints
• Enhancing the reliability of bolted assemblies
• Development of torque specifications