Analysis of load and stress distribution of a bolted joint composite plate

Abstract

The determination of the load distribution between bolts is a crucial step in predicting the failure of bolted joints. In this paper, the purpose is to investigate the effects of stacking sequence on the load distribution and the stress distribution around hole of a double lapped and three bolted joint composite plate with shearing force. The accuracy and reliability of the finite elements model was verified by the spring method results and test results at first. Subsequently, the load distribution among bolts and the stress distribution around hole of six structural combinations of two stacking sequence composites were studied. Results indicate that the load distribution ratio of the sequential structure is more even than that of the symmetrical structure. And the symmetrical stacking structure can bear greater stress than that of the sequential stacking structure, which is about three times that of sequential stacking structure. As the external loading increases, the hole-edge stress is relatively stable at ±45° layer, while the hole-edge stress of the orthogonal layer is varied and occurs damage failure at 90° around the hole.