Analytical and experimental investigation of Effect of geometric parameters on the failure modes in a single lap single bolted metal to GFRP composite bolted joints subjected to axial tensile loading

Abstract

Use of composites is increasing mainly due to its advantage of high strength to weight ratio. The composite structures are constructed using the mechanical joints comprising of either bolted/ riveted joints, bonded joints or hybrid joints. For heavy loading cases, bolted joints are preferred. Composite bolted joints subjected to axial loading are designed for bearing mode of failure to avoid catastrophic failure of the structure. The geometric parameters such as edge distance, width of plate and bolt hole diameter are important as they govern the failure mode. This paper focuses on investigating the effect of geometric parameters such as edge distance to diameter ratio or width to diameter ratio. The failure modes against tensile load applied on a single bolted single lap metal (90GSM JSW Steel) to GFRP plates are determined experimentally. The load deflection curves are plotted using MATLAB analytically and experimental curve using the computerized UTM. Analysis revealed that, the failure mode changes with variation in e/d ratio. With increase in edge distance, failure mode changes form cleavage or net tension to bearing failure. Peak load increases with increase in edge distance of bolt. From result analysis it can be concluded that, strength of joint increases with increase in edge distance.