PROPERTIES
The rod connections are just as important as the interface elements. To build lightweight truss structures, it is important to keep the proportion of metallic elements as small as possible, as otherwise the high weight advantage of CFRP rods can easily disappear again due to massive metallic node elements.
The aim of developing rod connections is to create rod-shaped structures or trusses solely with connecting elements made of fiber-reinforced composites.
This is particularly effective for trusses made of flange, transverse and diagonal rods, where weight savings of 50% and more can be achieved in this way compared with conventional aluminum structures while retaining the same strength and stiffness.
