Abstract: A test is carried out to obtain the key transverse bending properties of a single hat shaped T-joint material (carbon fiber reinforced polymer, CFRP), to analyze the effects of structural failure modes on test results, and the test process is then simulated by finite element analysis with its results compared with that of test. The relative sensitivities of transverse bending properties to the mass of T-joint are calculated during the adjustment of its structural dimension parameters and ply numbers. The results of test show that the gradual damage of laminate causes the reduction of transverse bending stiffness of T-joint, and the large-area failure on the lower surface of T-joint leads to the final loss of its load-bearing capability. The results of finite element analysis agree well with that of test. The results of sensitivity analysis show that reasonable increase of dimensional parameters R and H can achieve the significant enhancement of the structural performance of T-joint with a minor cost of a little weight-gain

Key words: T-joint, CFRP, transverse bending properties, sensitivity analysis