Stress analysis of finite orthotropic plates loaded by a bolted joint

Abstract

Bolted joints are commonly used to connect safety-critical parts in aeronautics, which can be composite laminates. However, drilling holes also means introducing stress raisers. For narrow connections, fatal tension failure mode is likely to be triggered. Accurate stress assessment methods are crucial to create safe and lightweight optimal designs. These tools can be based on analytical means beneficial in terms of efficient computation and shall be scope of this paper. In this context, a plate model idealising orthotropic composite laminates without bending extension coupling is chosen. This type of laminates is commonly used in industry contexts. Special consideration is given to finite plate dimensions. Their impact on the critical stress concentrations is studied for different lay-ups of the composite laminate. This further allows to investigate the effects of material orthotropy. Validation to Finite Element analyses shows good agreement for commonly used lay-ups and plate dimensions.