Progressive failure analysis of bolted joints in compositelaminates

Abstract

A three-dimensional progressive failure analysis methodology was developedto predict the strength of double lap bolted joints in [0°/90°/±45°]2scarbon fibre reinforced plastic laminates. An experimental programme was conductedto verify and validate the proposed computational model. Good agreement wasobtained between the experimental data and predictive model. A parametricstudy was conducted for varied clamping torque and friction coefficient values.The well known effect of those variables on the joint strength was captured.Although the in-plane mode of failure of each individual layer around thefastener hole was predicted, X-ray radiographs have shown that delaminationfailure is particularly dominant around the washer’s outer edge. Atpresent, the proposed model does not account for delamination onset and propagation.Future work will involve implementing cohesive zone elements in regions ofinterest to capture this interlaminar cracking, a work in which the authorsare currently engaged in.