As composite materials take on a more prominent role in ground vehicles, there is an increasing need to find efficient methods of joining composites to dissimilar materials; one of the most common methods is to use a mechanical fastener within a thin metallic sleeve. Studies have shown this method can decrease the strains in the vicinity of the bolted connection. This study explores the use of new, novel insert in joining composite to dissimilar materials. Instead of using a metallic insert, a standard 12.70 mm hex bolt is modified to allow a liquid to be injected into the joint through the bolt. Once the material has hardened, it creates a sleeve around the bolt, similar to the metallic insert. In this study, single-lap joints were fabricated using the novel insert. These materials were tested both quasi-statically and using ballistic-strain rates. The results were recorded using Digital Image Correlation as well as several qualitative methods. The results show the novel insert is preferable over a non-reinforced joint and does provide some benefits compared to a metallic insert.
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